tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319447250802712852017-09-23T17:36:04.102+01:00Big Stevie CoolA North East Food, Men's Lifestyle and Entertainment BlogSteve Rickeltonnoreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-35809256889041365802017-09-20T10:24:00.001+01:002017-09-20T10:24:53.685+01:00Porterhouse Butcher and Grill at Fenwick FoodhallA few months ago I was a little bit sad as I found out that Ko Sai at Fenwick Food Hall was closing down. I loved the little Thai street food place and had been many times, but I need not have worried as it has been replaced by something rather special.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-exEoLnBZFKo/WcInZ_0be2I/AAAAAAAADVU/9wuSpX3MRZ4XayzWzBxfKr1cd2YIQmr_ACLcBGAs/s1600/CroppedFocusedImage128085350-50-2017-8-8-porterhouse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-exEoLnBZFKo/WcInZ_0be2I/AAAAAAAADVU/9wuSpX3MRZ4XayzWzBxfKr1cd2YIQmr_ACLcBGAs/s1600/CroppedFocusedImage128085350-50-2017-8-8-porterhouse2.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Porterhouse Butcher and Grill</td></tr></tbody></table>Porterhouse Butcher and Grill is an amazing little gem in the centre of Newcastle. It's part of Fenwick Foodhall so there is a proper butcher shop where you can get all the quality meat you want (I'll come back the meat in a bit). There is also a Bar and a seated restaurant, The restaurant serves meat straight from the butchers counter and as their website says Porterhouse has a philosophy of "<a href="http://www.fenwick.co.uk/stores/newcastle/porterhouse-butcher-and-grill/" target="_blank">We cook what we sell, we sell what we cook</a>". I love this kind of of ethos from a restaurant and you really get the impression that everyone there is really passionate about the quality of their produce.<br /><br />Anyway, back to the meat. The butchers counter is fully stocked with all the cuts you could possibly want. We didn't buy anything from the counter this time (we were just there for lunch), but I will definitely be going back next time I'm in town. The menu focuses on a few Steak dishes but also has a wide selection of other mains, small plates and a raw/cured selection. The menu changes on a regular basis so keep checking their website for the latest update.<br /><br />All of the steak dishes come with a side of fries and and a selection of mustard and bearnaise sauce. The chips were incredible and had a real meaty flavour, I assume there were cooked in beef dripping (it makes all the difference).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EjUxCsUvumo/WcIxonGIyuI/AAAAAAAADVk/FCE-De1labMBM6N7znSY-x00WPn31hiBQCLcBGAs/s1600/21903790_10155903613398933_1156977622_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="881" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EjUxCsUvumo/WcIxonGIyuI/AAAAAAAADVk/FCE-De1labMBM6N7znSY-x00WPn31hiBQCLcBGAs/s1600/21903790_10155903613398933_1156977622_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />All the steaks are cooked medium but you can ask for it to be cooked to your liking (please don't ask for well done, I would be disappointed in you if you did). Mrs Cool loves a bit of meat and she went for the Sirloin Steak.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IalBP7U0sVk/WcIxu0X5xyI/AAAAAAAADVo/tWgyWjUBzTgqXWf7uZqtrbrkjDQ7NlE7QCLcBGAs/s1600/21850545_10155903613508933_1087008766_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IalBP7U0sVk/WcIxu0X5xyI/AAAAAAAADVo/tWgyWjUBzTgqXWf7uZqtrbrkjDQ7NlE7QCLcBGAs/s1600/21850545_10155903613508933_1087008766_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2ck_WQXnpg/WcIx0IwRrJI/AAAAAAAADVs/3xvoBKARsvEMki0BQJm3FH9fmCgur-pFwCLcBGAs/s1600/21850277_10155903614308933_1068049095_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="799" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2ck_WQXnpg/WcIx0IwRrJI/AAAAAAAADVs/3xvoBKARsvEMki0BQJm3FH9fmCgur-pFwCLcBGAs/s1600/21850277_10155903614308933_1068049095_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />I love an egg when I have a steak so when I saw the Minute Steak with two Fried Hens Eggs on the menu I knew I had to have it. The Steak was perfection and the eggs had runny yolks (always a must) and mine came served with HP sauce.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBV98xuR9b0/WcIx6PP6fLI/AAAAAAAADVw/lRyfyZNEUc4PbpHmMJoPjt9IFjOMa0xSwCLcBGAs/s1600/21849106_10155903613928933_259193164_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="960" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBV98xuR9b0/WcIx6PP6fLI/AAAAAAAADVw/lRyfyZNEUc4PbpHmMJoPjt9IFjOMa0xSwCLcBGAs/s1600/21849106_10155903613928933_259193164_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQFbHLMEpBI/WcIyAhjp3FI/AAAAAAAADV0/8qY1gJRqdWcPjG5Qomzq5SB_KNw2JOdmgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQFbHLMEpBI/WcIyAhjp3FI/AAAAAAAADV0/8qY1gJRqdWcPjG5Qomzq5SB_KNw2JOdmgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3819.jpg" /></a></div><br />I you're a meat lover you have to try this place. The food is amazing and the price isn't too bad either. We had two steak mains with chips and two bottles of Coca-Cola and it came to £46 including tip.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.instagram.com/bigsteviecool" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Instagram here</a></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-13584859054277572732017-09-14T20:04:00.000+01:002017-09-14T20:04:58.746+01:005 Things that happen when you and your partner both work from home<div class="p1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Working from home can be great, you don't have the rush hour commute to work, you can take a break whenever you want and you choose your office environment such as <span class="s2"><a href="http://www.lionshome.co.uk/" target="_blank">furniture</a></span> and decoration. It’s not all sunshine and roses though, especially when both you and your partner use the house as your office. Living and working in close proximity can lead to disagreements from time to time. I’ve compiled a list of the top five things that Mrs Cool and I are most likely to lock horns about:</span></span></div><div class="p3"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></b></div><div class="p3"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1. One person is always tasked with making the coffee.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn_ZSZWERkU/WbrQaNrM8cI/AAAAAAAADU4/R2ztBxo0WKUbBLdJXJ9pzYX0dDkbkS2FACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170719_115434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="463" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn_ZSZWERkU/WbrQaNrM8cI/AAAAAAAADU4/R2ztBxo0WKUbBLdJXJ9pzYX0dDkbkS2FACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170719_115434.jpg" /></a></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I’m a recent convert to coffee but I am a bit of a coffee snob and my preferred drink is an Espresso. I enjoy them so much I decided to get myself an Espresso machine a few months ago. Mrs Cool is happy to have instant coffee (although she only likes the expensive kind) but she prefers an Americano. Our machine isn’t hard to use and can easily make an Espresso and an Americano at the same time but it seems to be beyond Mrs Cool as it’s always Muggins here who has to make the coffee.</span></span></div><div class="p3"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></b></div><div class="p3"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">2. Someone always hogs the office desk<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6zyNwLCiWY/WbrQkNBq_pI/AAAAAAAADU8/nBKk_ExwXtsmoafzI2sGIlbJUl_wm4TaACLcBGAs/s1600/21740210_10155883262158933_5307722313036129864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6zyNwLCiWY/WbrQkNBq_pI/AAAAAAAADU8/nBKk_ExwXtsmoafzI2sGIlbJUl_wm4TaACLcBGAs/s1600/21740210_10155883262158933_5307722313036129864_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p3"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.samantharickelton.com/2016/10/full-time-blogger-advice.html">Mrs Cool started working from home long before I did</a></span><span class="s1"> and it was Sam who decided to get an office desk. However now we both often work from home there can be a bit of a race to get set up at the desk first. I often lose this race and am relegated to the dining table, I think it won't be long until I get my own desk and I have my eye on a few <a href="http://www.lionshome.co.uk/furniture-desks/"><span class="s2">here</span></a>.</span></span></div><div class="p3"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></b></div><div class="p3"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">3. You can never decide what music to listen to</b></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Me and Mrs Cool have very contrasting taste in music. Sam likes acts like Girls Aloud, Sia and Rhianna where as I like The Rolling Stones, AC/DC and Oasis. This is one area where I usually get my own way. I have a subscription to <a href="https://www.apple.com/uk/music/"><span class="s2">Apple Music</span></a> so can stream all the music I want, I am a nice guy though and I will sometimes let Mrs Cool pick a playlist.</span></span></div><div class="p3"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></b></div><div class="p3"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">4. The WiFi always gets clogged up</b></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">If you both work online you must invest in good home broadband. We used to get frustrated by our WiFi and there is nothing worse than trying to upload a video or blog post when your WiFi signal freezes due to your other half using up all the bandwidth. This is not so much of a problem anymore as we upgraded to Fibre Broadband and most providers will have unlimited packages. I would advise you to get it as it is a godsend. It also helps when work is done for the day and you want to watch the latest season of Narcos on Netflix while the kids are on YouTube or playing on Xbox with their mates.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="p3"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></b></div><div class="p3"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">5. You can never agree on the right temperature</b></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This one causes the most arguments in our house as me and Mrs Cool are polar opposites when it comes to a comfortable temperature. Mrs Cool is always turning the heating on and is happy to sit in sauna like temperatures and I am always too hot and have been known to have a window open even when there has been snow lying on the ground outside.</span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Do you work from home with your partner? What do disagree about?<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Well, that’s all for now.</span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">S</span></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p3" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/bigsteviecoolblog" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Facebook here.</a></span></span></div><div class="p2"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><style type="text/css">p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 11.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000; min-height: 12.0px} p.p3 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} p.p4 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: right; font: 11.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} li.li3 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} span.s2 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none} ol.ol1 {list-style-type: decimal} </style> <br /><div class="p4"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">*This is a collaborative post.</span></span></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-46088667979318545582017-09-04T06:30:00.000+01:002017-09-04T06:30:15.407+01:00Monday Munchies: Death by Chocolate Orange Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X72zUVMQGwU/WawO7a2FIEI/AAAAAAAADTw/Om3LgxKkdPU9k_0p6dN0rzxYV7VfW0FKgCLcBGAs/s1600/cakebanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X72zUVMQGwU/WawO7a2FIEI/AAAAAAAADTw/Om3LgxKkdPU9k_0p6dN0rzxYV7VfW0FKgCLcBGAs/s1600/cakebanner.jpg" /></a></div><br />I like to think of myself as a good cook but I very rarely bake. I make the odd pie now and then but I've never made a cake. With the return of Great British Bake Off, I really like the new series by the way (anything with Noel Fielding is a winner for me), I decided to challenge myself to bake a cake and I roped the kids in to help.<br /><br />I scoured our many cook books to find some inspiration and settled on Death by Chocolate Cake from Mary Berry's Baking Bible. I didn't follow the recipe exactly as I wanted to put my own spin on it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsnQM5_8V4Y/WawEgzJrLOI/AAAAAAAADSM/kyxaPuJ-74IXJVpTg3SBrhhUAF8RbllIwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsnQM5_8V4Y/WawEgzJrLOI/AAAAAAAADSM/kyxaPuJ-74IXJVpTg3SBrhhUAF8RbllIwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3790.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cp_GbvYuOVQ/WawEjNn53xI/AAAAAAAADSQ/_htZsikhIck43nlCQbPaJxtY4kWPNzLDwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cp_GbvYuOVQ/WawEjNn53xI/AAAAAAAADSQ/_htZsikhIck43nlCQbPaJxtY4kWPNzLDwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3792.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><i>Ingredients:</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><i>For the Cake:</i><br /><br />275g plain flour<br />3 tbsp cocoa powder<br />1½ level tsp bicarbonate of soda<br />1½ level tsp baking powder<br />215g caster sugar<br />2 tbsp golden syrup<br />3 large eggs, beaten<br />225ml sunflower oil<br />225ml milk<br />1 small capful of orange extract<br /><br /><i>For the Icing:</i><br /><i><br /></i>225g Terry's chocolate orange<br />225g Cadbury's Dairy Milk chocolate<br />200g unsalted butter<br /><br /><i>To Finish:</i><br /><i><br /></i>1 Terry's Chocolate Orange, separated into segments<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9c5agoXqWyA/WawJq7KBg7I/AAAAAAAADSw/uUWN4DHxvaouMs1b72bJ-HL-EnABqcPogCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1219" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9c5agoXqWyA/WawJq7KBg7I/AAAAAAAADSw/uUWN4DHxvaouMs1b72bJ-HL-EnABqcPogCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0363.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Method:</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b>Start by pre-heating your oven to 160°C (140°C Fan). Grease two 20cm cake tins with butter and line the bottom with greaseproof paper. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder into a mixing bowl and then add the caster sugar. Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the golden syrup, milk, oil and eggs then mix until smooth. Mary Berry says to mix with a wooden spoon but that seemed like a right faff. I have a food mixer and it only took a couple of minutes using a silicone creaming beater, it worked a treat and saved a lot of hard work (I'm all about skipping hard work).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxdzWJRIPDs/WawJ81vCYUI/AAAAAAAADS0/XdmCfmKpGEYSo_Il_25wTrdajzrceB55ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxdzWJRIPDs/WawJ81vCYUI/AAAAAAAADS0/XdmCfmKpGEYSo_Il_25wTrdajzrceB55ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0365.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VcQAG0ekcJw/WawKBcRvrPI/AAAAAAAADS4/KRRv81z-bAoXuyND6p7pTlvtYFm_ykTQwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1389" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VcQAG0ekcJw/WawKBcRvrPI/AAAAAAAADS4/KRRv81z-bAoXuyND6p7pTlvtYFm_ykTQwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0366.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Pt-5oAL4cQ/WawKFOdmptI/AAAAAAAADS8/n261QLDCYKkkkywGteGEZiUcDVvoRrr5QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Pt-5oAL4cQ/WawKFOdmptI/AAAAAAAADS8/n261QLDCYKkkkywGteGEZiUcDVvoRrr5QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0368.jpg" /></a></div><br />Pour the cake mix evenly between the 2 cake tins and bake for 35 minutes or until you can insert a wooden skewer into the centre of the cake and it comes out clean. Turn out the cakes and leave to cool on a wire rack while you make the icing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-APHv_JkBWNc/WawKNbjr38I/AAAAAAAADTA/Vdzqx4vZnusFS-Njq49SamUHqEeIFdj3ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-APHv_JkBWNc/WawKNbjr38I/AAAAAAAADTA/Vdzqx4vZnusFS-Njq49SamUHqEeIFdj3ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0369.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j4Ckj_UBHbE/WawKQsntUMI/AAAAAAAADTE/QT8F8MW0tk8iL2t2CpmA6E_8BvF3jHx7QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j4Ckj_UBHbE/WawKQsntUMI/AAAAAAAADTE/QT8F8MW0tk8iL2t2CpmA6E_8BvF3jHx7QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0371.jpg" /></a></div><br />Melt the chocolate, Mary Berry says to break the chocolate into pieces and put into a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, again I found a shortcut by putting the chunks of chocolate into a Pyrex jug and microwaving it for 20 seconds at a time until it was melted. Once the chunks are all melted add the butter and stir until it's all mixed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UwdetjVI95k/WawKZenAnsI/AAAAAAAADTI/03KKs7RjH4MqHNzIw97ceFYzCa0dcU6SwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UwdetjVI95k/WawKZenAnsI/AAAAAAAADTI/03KKs7RjH4MqHNzIw97ceFYzCa0dcU6SwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0364.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l55i6nwxE7U/WawKdSw2NXI/AAAAAAAADTM/UBL0KpqDqi4cekD61GLx9hP7oPDTiRE2ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1301" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l55i6nwxE7U/WawKdSw2NXI/AAAAAAAADTM/UBL0KpqDqi4cekD61GLx9hP7oPDTiRE2ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0372.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once the cakes are cool, pour a third of the icing onto the first cake and spread it evenly. Add half the Chocolate Orange segments around the edge to decorate. Place the second cake on top and then pour the remaining icing on top and smooth it over the top and sides with a palette knife (I was a bit rubbish at the sides but it was still ok) then add the remaining Chocolate Orange segments around the edge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p7bnogc-R94/WawKllwCFBI/AAAAAAAADTQ/3pm6eX0GXLo7S4QskQfHMzrCYurITeoOACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p7bnogc-R94/WawKllwCFBI/AAAAAAAADTQ/3pm6eX0GXLo7S4QskQfHMzrCYurITeoOACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0375.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o6DLQSV0iLk/WawKqurtTEI/AAAAAAAADTU/XND1INq611oJ0ptBk4jmFEzPoLeUS9IBgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o6DLQSV0iLk/WawKqurtTEI/AAAAAAAADTU/XND1INq611oJ0ptBk4jmFEzPoLeUS9IBgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0377.jpg" /></a></div><br />Baking a cake was a lot easier than I was expecting it to be so I think I'll be trying a few more in the future.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.instagram.com/bigsteviecool" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Instagram here.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pin me for later</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-enKZFE1uXAY/WawNDTuiL2I/AAAAAAAADTg/DpMIpp88pbk5hz2tzoYo5Zb21Al8SLyUQCLcBGAs/s1600/cakepin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-enKZFE1uXAY/WawNDTuiL2I/AAAAAAAADTg/DpMIpp88pbk5hz2tzoYo5Zb21Al8SLyUQCLcBGAs/s640/cakepin.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-82933643207039720852017-07-24T06:30:00.000+01:002017-07-24T11:35:11.457+01:00Tapas at home Inspired by La Casa Delicatessen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpctaTEsZoE/WWzGXwtSe2I/AAAAAAAADPo/FynX-ETI2xMhvHfXK4F7p3nk1vPSdV91QCLcBGAs/s1600/tapastitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpctaTEsZoE/WWzGXwtSe2I/AAAAAAAADPo/FynX-ETI2xMhvHfXK4F7p3nk1vPSdV91QCLcBGAs/s1600/tapastitle.jpg"></a></div><br>Let me tell you abut a little place I have fallen in love with. La Casa Delicatessen in the Grainger Market in Newcastle is somewhere I didn't know existed until a couple of months ago. Already it is my favourite place to pick up any Spanish food I'm in the mood for. The guy who works there is great (I should really ask his name next time I'm there), he is so friendly and really passionate about the produce they sell and that sort of service really stands out for me. The first time we went we tried a selection of Manchego that had been cured in various ways. One with beer, one with chilli and one with brandy. All were delicious and we left with a little wedge of the brandy cured Manchego and a small pack of sliced chorizo. We promised ourselves the next time we have tapas night at home (which we do every few months) we would go back and stock up on supplies.<br><br>A couple of weeks ago it was time for our next Tapas night, I did make a couple of dishes from scratch just with store cupboard ingredients. I made some quick garlic bread, which is just toasted bread drizzled in olive oil and sprinkled with garlic granules (so easy but really tasty). I also made Patatas Bravas by cutting a couple of potatoes into cubes and frying them in olive oil with some rosemary sprigs. The Bravas sauce I make uses passata heated with some chopped garlic, paprika, chilli powder, salt and pepper. Put the potatoes into a bowl and spoon over the sauce and finish with a few teaspoonfuls of Garlic mayo dotted on top. Now onto the produce we got from La Casa.<br><br><i><u>Serrano Ham</u></i><br><i><u><br></u></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dgkWPjXMzlM/WWzHf3H9V3I/AAAAAAAADPs/YuIELNY-Cu8s9HInD9c1UAzSf_P50EiiwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1511" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dgkWPjXMzlM/WWzHf3H9V3I/AAAAAAAADPs/YuIELNY-Cu8s9HInD9c1UAzSf_P50EiiwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0868.jpg"></a></div><br>Charcuterie is a big favourite in our house and for me cured ham is King. The Charcuterie selection at La Casa is vast and there is everything from Lomo Ham, Cecina Smoked Beef and Iberico Ham. We went for the Serrano Ham and weren't disappointed, the meaty slices were perfect, just enough fat to enhance the flavour and very moreish (why do we always buy too little?)<br><br><i><u>Chorizo</u></i><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDW6puvKcGU/WWzHl_sjkJI/AAAAAAAADPw/VtxdqnfFS2I6jfTGatO5BfNoA8qYQyF4ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDW6puvKcGU/WWzHl_sjkJI/AAAAAAAADPw/VtxdqnfFS2I6jfTGatO5BfNoA8qYQyF4ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0867.jpg"></a></div><br>As I said Charcuterie is a big deal to us and Mrs. Cool's preference is Chorizo. There are numerous options available from slices of Chorizo to whole sausages. We went for these little links which I fried in olive oil. The Chorizo was to die for and the oil was great for dipping the garlic bread into.<br><br><i><u>Manchego Cured in Brandy</u></i><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6B-yYpwsQII/WWzHrieRxRI/AAAAAAAADP0/dC1sBqKSdlslvBUafLaNZvv38EIPWC1iwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0869.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6B-yYpwsQII/WWzHrieRxRI/AAAAAAAADP0/dC1sBqKSdlslvBUafLaNZvv38EIPWC1iwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0869.jpg"></a></div><br>The Cheese, My God! The Cheese. Where do I begin with this cheese? This cheese is what brought us back to La Casa and it will be brining us back again. I can honestly say this is the best cheese I have EVER had. Not only is the flavour on the Manchego great but the subtle brandy taste really elevates it to something exquisite. This stuff is like crack, once you have a taste you want more and more and more. I really need to have some more right now. I'm having withdrawls.<br><br><i><u>Wine</u></i><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EV2cUtiq6_A/WWzHwXEnVSI/AAAAAAAADP4/Y8AFFH3pI2M6t2xtYOcdXUkcnsqlhZbIgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="541" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EV2cUtiq6_A/WWzHwXEnVSI/AAAAAAAADP4/Y8AFFH3pI2M6t2xtYOcdXUkcnsqlhZbIgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0871.jpg"></a></div><br>You can't have Meat and Cheese without having Wine, It's the Law! The wine selection is huge and we went for this lovely Rioja. I'm not usually a fan of Rioja but as it was a Spanish tapas night we couldn't really have a Sancerre or a Merlot. It was outstanding and really went perfectly with all our dishes.<br><br>It amazes me that this little nook in the Grainger Market is so packed full of amazing produce, I can't sing the praises of La Casa highly enough, I really love this place and hope you will to. If you would like to find out more you can visit their website <a href="http://www.lacasadelicatessen.com/" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and you can follow them on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/LDelicatessen" target="_blank">here</a>.<br><br>Well, that's all for now<br><br>S<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.instagram.com/bigsteviecool" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Instagram here.</a></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-34412885478113712502017-07-20T11:51:00.000+01:002017-07-20T11:52:04.473+01:00How one DIY job turned into a room makeoverI like to think I'm pretty good at DIY, nothing too adventurous but if there is a little job to be done I'm all over it. A while ago our toilet was damaged and we needed a new one, I decided replacing the toilet was too much for me so hired someone else to do it. However, after the new toilet was in it left a gap in the flooring around the toilet as the new one was a different shape to the old one. EASY! I thought, it's only lino. I can pick up a little bit of lino that matches and patch it up. But this one small job turned into a much bigger job, which then turned into several jobs, which then snowballed into a makeover of the whole room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S34p2Gomu04/WXB1ALDewYI/AAAAAAAADQM/oBjfAiLCbjweJOVhkfvpJSJVS_82u4lvwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S34p2Gomu04/WXB1ALDewYI/AAAAAAAADQM/oBjfAiLCbjweJOVhkfvpJSJVS_82u4lvwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0887.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />When I got to the local DIY Superstore there was a lino that matched ours, Huzzah! I thought this will be a doddle, however I had brought Mrs. Cool with me (that was my first mistake) and she noticed another lino with a wood design that she liked better than ours. If i'm honest I didn't like our old lino, it was already down when we moved in and had probably been there for years so I agreed that instead of patching up the old lino I would rip out a the old one and lay down the nice new one.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HSiJvb_pIVA/WXB1IIVqP5I/AAAAAAAADQQ/P9CVli_dQFEJzH0mHZ-GKnBlZ0VLJs8MQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HSiJvb_pIVA/WXB1IIVqP5I/AAAAAAAADQQ/P9CVli_dQFEJzH0mHZ-GKnBlZ0VLJs8MQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0886.jpg" /></a></div><br />We also had a little damage to the bath panel so as we were looking around we decided to get a new bath panel. Oh! well, while I'm on I might as well re-do the sealant around the bath as it was a bit discoloured (what am I doing giving myself more work). On the way home Mrs Cool chirps up saying the towels, bath mat and shower curtain we have won't match the new floor. Great! more expenditure, We headed to another couple of shops to look at accessories. As well as the already agreed upon towels and bath mat etc we also ended up getting new storage baskets, a mirror, a candle, bin, toilet brush and a bath tidy! It was at this point that I realised Mrs. Cool was actually Carole Smillie and I had wandered into an episode of Changing Rooms.<br /><br />Luckily (or unluckily however you want to look at it) our bathroom is quite small so the lino was surprisingly easy to change over, the old one came up really easily and I was able to use that as a rough template to cut the new one to size. I laid the new one down and used a stanley knife to cut it to fit around the fixtures. The bath panel was the hardest part, this as due to the shape of the bathroom I needed to cut a small section off the panel so that it would fit. But this was an excuse to get a new hack saw (all boys love using a saw right?).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ykEDaW1laU/WXCAqpm-HLI/AAAAAAAADQc/10bzLv8q-0YaPxyYFIVsxN84HUfmsD_owCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ykEDaW1laU/WXCAqpm-HLI/AAAAAAAADQc/10bzLv8q-0YaPxyYFIVsxN84HUfmsD_owCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0038.jpg" /></a></div><br />Using white spirit I was able to remove the old sealant, I may have used too much white spirit as the fumes were a bit strong, I would suggest keeping the door and window open if you're planning on doing this to avoid getting lightheaded. Putting the new sealant down was a bit messy but I had the foresight to wear disposable rubber gloves so my hands didn't get covered.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1dBvXZjhETk/WXCD-l1axmI/AAAAAAAADQk/U2l2sYCUw80qZhY-yvmzj3DmNfwsTdICwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1dBvXZjhETk/WXCD-l1axmI/AAAAAAAADQk/U2l2sYCUw80qZhY-yvmzj3DmNfwsTdICwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg" /></a></div><br />That was all the big jobs done and all that was left was to put the accessories in place. The whole job only took a few hours (not including the time spent shopping for all the stuff, that took longer) and it only cost around £300 (including getting the new toilet fitted) which I think was bit of a bargain. I'm very happy with the finished room and more importantly Mrs. Cool was really pleased with how this project worked out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AcIZlkK3L4I/WXCFUq73IpI/AAAAAAAADQs/1akTZwMrwAYNhJa8dpnwgJiILTgb1noTwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AcIZlkK3L4I/WXCFUq73IpI/AAAAAAAADQs/1akTZwMrwAYNhJa8dpnwgJiILTgb1noTwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0037.jpg" /></a></div><br />Mrs. Cool did a little video tour of the new bathroom and you can see it here.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aZeyFmAjqQo/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aZeyFmAjqQo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><br />The problem I now have is that the bathroom is now putting the rest of our house to shame. We have plans to redesign our living room and we've already bought some a new coffee table and TV stand as well as some new art but we have more to do in the next few months.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/bigsteviecool" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Twitter here.</a></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-84183499430196912402017-07-10T06:30:00.000+01:002017-07-10T06:30:13.658+01:00Game of Thrones: Top 10* Episodes (*actually 11 episodes)<div class="p1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4qMBL4tmz8/WOfwuYNWxbI/AAAAAAAADB0/3AGEpu_e7sUJk9jHtpCp0dQx0tdEHk1XgCLcB/s1600/Game_of_Thrones_title_card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4qMBL4tmz8/WOfwuYNWxbI/AAAAAAAADB0/3AGEpu_e7sUJk9jHtpCp0dQx0tdEHk1XgCLcB/s1600/Game_of_Thrones_title_card.jpg" /></a></div><br />The TV Phenomenon of recent years has been Game of Thrones. The HBO series based on the Song of Ice and Fire books by George R. R. Martin has had viewers on the edge of their seats and critics running out of superlatives to describe how good it is. Even if you're not a fan of the fantasy genre you’ll still get drawn into the intrigue and betrayal that occurs in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. But, who am I kidding, everyone is a fan of Game of Thrones, right? I’ve been watching since it started and after a few seasons I managed to get Mrs Cool to watch too (which was a great excuse to watch the whole thing again). Here are my top 11 episodes (I couldn't narrow it down to just 10) from the 1st 6 seasons if you haven’t seen these yet do not continue as what follows contains a LOT of spoilers!</div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">11 - Dance of Dragons - Season 5 Episode 9</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">There are two reasons why this makes it into the top 11, two unforgettable scenes. The 1st is a scene where Stannis Baratheon sacrifices his only child to the Lord of Light. This is one of the most shocking scenes in all of Game of Thrones and it gets uncomfortable to watch as the child Princess is dragged from her room and tied to a stake and then the Red Woman, Melisandre, lights the flames. The Princess Shireen’s screams as her father watches on are truly horrific. The 2nd scene is the final scene where Daenerys Targaryen has opened an arena to host bloody death matches when a revolution breaks out with masked assassins all over the arena killing as many people as they can and while Daario Naharis, Jorah Mormont, Grey Worm and even Tyrion Lannister try to save the Queen (Mrs. Cool mentioned that the thing she likes about Tyrion is that he is ready to fight when he has to). All looks doomed as they are trapped and surrounded on the arena floor when a screech echoes above the arena as, Drogon, one of Daenerys’ dragons returns to save the day and the Mother of Dragons leaves in impressive fashion on the back of Drogon.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">10 - Two Sword - Season 4 Episode 1</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">This episode introduces one of my favourite characters, Oberyn Martell, he has come to Kings Landing for Joffrey’s wedding (but is really seeking revenge for the murder of his sister and niece and nephew). However the main reason why I like this episode is it’s when Arya Stark shows how much of a badass she is. Arya is with ‘The Hound’ Sandor Clegane and they find an Inn where some Lannister soldiers (one of which Arya recognises as Polliver the man who killed her friend and took her sword). They go into the inn and all starts well as they have a drink but then when The Hound insults the King all hell breaks loose. The Hound kills several of the soldiers but its is Arya who incapacitates Polliver before coldly reciting what he said when he killed her friend before taking her sword back and stabbing him through the throat.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">9 - Baelor - Season 1 Episode 9</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Ned Stark is in jail accused of treachery and his son Robb Stark is heading south with an army of Northmen to depose the King. Robb needs to make a strategic crossing of the Trident River and in doing so sets in motion events that will eventually lead to the Red Wedding (see the Rains of Castamere below). Now before Game of Thrones started all the promotional hype and build up was around Sean Bean playing Ned Stark but here before the first season has even finished one of the main characters (and arguably the star of the show) is beheaded. This sets the tone for the entire series that no one is safe.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">8 - The Laws of Gods and Men - Season 4 Episode 6</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Tyrion Lannister is one of my favourite characters and this is a great Tyrion episode. He is on trial for the assassination of King Joffrey. Everyone is trying to stitch him up from his sister Cersei to Maester Pycell. Tyrions brother Jamie is the only one looking out for him and makes a deal with their father to spare Tyrions life but realises too late that this whole trial is a plot by Tywin to get Jamie to resume his role as Heir to the Lannister fortune. However when Tyrion is betrayed by the woman he loved, Shae, he gives a brilliant enraged speech to the court and demands a trial by combat, denying his father a victory in the process.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">7 - The Mountain and the Viper - Season 4 Episode 8</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">A lot happens in this episode but the reason why it features on this list is down to the last 10 minutes. As the culmination of Tyrions trial ends with the trial by combat between ‘The Mountain’ Gregor Clagane and ‘The Viper’ Oberyn Martell. This is probably the best one on one fight in all of Game of Thrones and it leads to without a doubt the most gruesome death in the whole series.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">6 - The Lion and The Rose - Season 4 Episode 2</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">For the most part Game of Thrones seems to be series of horrific events where the worst people imaginable get their own way, but every now and then you get an episode like this. For all of seasons 1, 2 and 3 Joffrey Baratheon has been an evil, &nbsp;sadistic, nasty piece of shit and at his wedding to Margaery Tyrell he finally gets his comeuppance. Drinking poisoned wine he suffers a slow agonising death.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">5 - Blackwater - Season 2 Episode 9&nbsp;</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">This is another great episode for Tyrion Lannister, Kings Landing is under siege, Stannis Baratheon’s fleet is approaching, but Tyrion has a plan. He sends a single ship loaded with Wildfire into the heart of Stannis’ fleet and sets off a spectacular explosion that decimates the fleet. Stannis' forces still attack the city and as Joffrey retreats to his chambers it is down to a rousing speech from Tyrion to motivate the soldiers. In the end his victory is stolen by his father who brings the Tyrell army to repel the last of Stannis’ troops.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">4 - Hardhome - Season 5 Episode 8</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">There is a lot going on, Tyrion is trying to persuade Daenerys not to kill him, Arya is still training with Jaqen H’ghar and Cersei is in jail. But this episode is all about Jon Snow, north of the wall trying to form an alliance with the wildlings at Hardhome. Then they are attacked by the White Walkers and an army of the dead. The battle that ensues shows just how powerful the White Walkers are and especially their leader the Night King.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">3 - The Watchers on the Wall - Season 4 Episode 9</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">This is just about the most epic piece of television ever made. Mance Rayder's Wildling army attack Castle Black from north and south of T</span>he Wall and the Nights Watch must defend it. Jon Snow steps up to lead the Nights Watch when no one else seems capable, He is reunited with his true love Ygritte only for her to die in his arms after being shot with an arrow. The scale of this episode easily rivals most blockbuster movies and the action is incredible. This is as close to TV perfection as you can get.<br /><span class="s1"><br /></span><span class="s1">2 - The Winds of Winter - Season 6 Episode 10</span><br /><br />The good guys seem to be getting what they want in the episode. Arya Stark gets revenge on Walder Frey, Tyrion Lannister is named hand of the Queen, Daenerys Targaryen and her army sets sail with her dragons headed for Westeros and Jon Snow's true lineage is revealed and he is named King in the North. But Cersei is the real winner, she arranges the murders of Grand Maester Pycell and Lancel Lanniser. She misses her trial and blows up the Great Sept of Baelor so she can get rid of Margaery Tyrell, The High Sparrow and anyone who wanted to see her fall. Her only remaining child (the King Tommen does kill himself however, but Cersei is unltimately named Queen. It plays out like the final act of The Godfather when Michael Corleone kills all of his enemies and becomes Godfather.<br /><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="p2">1 - The Rains of Castamere - Season 3 Episode 9<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><style type="text/css">p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000; min-height: 13.0px} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} </style> <br /><div class="p1"><span class="s1">The Red Wedding - what more can I say. When you watch this episode for the first time it's like a punch to the gut. Robb Stark tries to make piece for breaking his oath to Walder Frey but is betrayed and slaughtered along with his men, his mother, his wife and unborn child during a bloodbath that seems to go on forever. When I first watched this episode I sat in silence for a few minutes after it finished so I could process what I had just seen. The most shocking episode in the entire series.</span><br /><span class="s1"><br /></span><span class="s1">There's not long until the new season starts and I can hardly wait. Do you agree with my list? Are there any episodes you would've included in the top 11?</span><br /><span class="s1"><br /></span><span class="s1">Valar Morghulis</span><br /><span class="s1"><br /></span><span class="s1">S</span><br /><span class="s1"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/bigsteviecool" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Twitter here.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc3DhpOsu50/WOfxu19lMBI/AAAAAAAADCA/3TFsBUrj2DYuoRfMnOShz1PLM8NSoJG0gCLcB/s1600/13473479745_913d7a8234_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc3DhpOsu50/WOfxu19lMBI/AAAAAAAADCA/3TFsBUrj2DYuoRfMnOShz1PLM8NSoJG0gCLcB/s1600/13473479745_913d7a8234_b.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-60968240279517095042017-07-03T06:30:00.000+01:002017-07-03T06:30:22.867+01:00Little Turtle Smoothie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JVPIHGVCFis/WVS8xcPhkjI/AAAAAAAADPA/AJgwmnUP3G8BrEVZmm_8gquXdPwKe9LYQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1148" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JVPIHGVCFis/WVS8xcPhkjI/AAAAAAAADPA/AJgwmnUP3G8BrEVZmm_8gquXdPwKe9LYQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0030.jpg" /></a></div><br />A few weeks ago we went to <a href="https://www.turtlebay.co.uk/locations/newcastle/" target="_blank">Turtle Bay</a>, which is a Caribbean restaurant in Newcastle. We have been a few times and you can read Mrs. Cool's review&nbsp;<a href="http://www.northeastfamilyfun.co.uk/2017/06/turtle-bay-newcastle-childrens-menu.html" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;(including their new children's menu). The food here is incredible (I highly recommend the Bajan Beef Cheek Curry). When we went this time Harry noticed on the kid's menu there was a recipe for a smoothie that he wanted to try at home so I thought I'd share it with you.<br /><br /><br /><u>Ingredients:</u><br /><br />1 medium sized banana<br />2 pineapple rings<br />100ml of pineapple or apple juice<br />5 ice cubes<br />1 tsp honey<br /><br /><u>Method:</u><br /><u><br /></u>These ingredients will make 1 smoothie and it is so easy to make. Just chop the banana and pineapple rings into chunks. put all of the ingredients into a blender and blitz for around 45 seconds until smooth.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gww226b1GCs/WVS-DSY4PhI/AAAAAAAADPM/oLGRtchXeK0xiQJq7FtP9lYrNOKJXu39QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1468" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gww226b1GCs/WVS-DSY4PhI/AAAAAAAADPM/oLGRtchXeK0xiQJq7FtP9lYrNOKJXu39QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0031.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZUYgkNErdA/WVS-H2HSDmI/AAAAAAAADPQ/AWY-Lw_7OV4wHT7vLrHvFUrie6aubwiHgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1340" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZUYgkNErdA/WVS-H2HSDmI/AAAAAAAADPQ/AWY-Lw_7OV4wHT7vLrHvFUrie6aubwiHgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0032.jpg" /></a></div><br />My kids loved making this themselves, although, if you have younger kids you should maybe chop the fruit yourselves. We made enough for everyone and everyone loved it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVos3zXEQUA/WVS-vMkEH6I/AAAAAAAADPY/UrlQ6ygChEw_IE07ZUzSdDECSgUfsIx9ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVos3zXEQUA/WVS-vMkEH6I/AAAAAAAADPY/UrlQ6ygChEw_IE07ZUzSdDECSgUfsIx9ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0034.jpg" /></a></div><br />If you're looking to make a more grown up drink all you need to do is add a likl tickle of Rum when you blitz it up.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.instagram.com/bigsteviecool" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Instagram here.</a></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-54700506572586014552017-06-26T06:30:00.000+01:002017-06-26T06:30:12.522+01:00Monday Munchies: Sushi Arancini<br />A few weeks ago I posted about using Sushi ingredients to <a href="http://www.bigsteviecool.co.uk/2017/05/give-your-bbq-japanese-zing.html" target="_blank">give your BBQ Japanese Zing</a>. Well I had some ingredients left over so decided to try and come up with something to use them. I had plenty rice and panko breadcrumbs as well as loads of sauces so decided to make Sushi Arancini with Teriyaki and Soy dipping sauces.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_Bt7SYK56o/WUwS4NPx-yI/AAAAAAAADOo/J9DfRH4yw_IdyiYez7RehwISJefMDv_QgCLcBGAs/s1600/Sushu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to make Sushi Arancini" border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_Bt7SYK56o/WUwS4NPx-yI/AAAAAAAADOo/J9DfRH4yw_IdyiYez7RehwISJefMDv_QgCLcBGAs/s1600/Sushu.jpg" title="How to make Sushi Arancini" /></a></div><br /><u>Ingredients:</u><br /><br />Sushi rice<br />Enough Panko breadcrumbs to coat however many rice balls make<br />1 beaten Egg<br />Plain flour<br />Vegetable oil<br />Rice vinegar<br />Sugar<br />Salt<br />soy sauce<br /><br />(You will also need a deep fat fryer)<br /><br /><u>Method:</u><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Raleway; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Raleway; text-align: justify;">1 - Wash the rice 3 or 4 times in cold water. drain the rice in a sieve and then add to a saucepan with 330 ml of water and bring to the boil, simmer for 10 mins with a lid on and the turn the heat off and leave for 30 mins. <br /><br />2 - Once the rice has cooled mix the rice vinegar, sugar and salt and the fold this into the rice. The rice should be sticky by now but I still found it hard to form into balls so in the end I used a Nigiri mould.&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Raleway; text-align: justify;"><br />3 - Fill the fryer with vegetable oil and turn on the the required temp, leave it to heat up (but don't leave it unattended).</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Raleway;">&nbsp;In separate bowls put the flour, a beaten egg and the Panko breadcrumbs. <br /><br />4 - Coat the rice first in the flour, then the egg and finally the breadcrumbs. Once the oil is hot enough put 2 or 3 rice balls in the oil and fry for a few minutes (occasionally turning them) until the &nbsp;bread crumbs are golden. Remove from the oil and leave for a few mins on some kitchen roll.</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Raleway;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--g-VWEx_DU4/WUwLHsnJrtI/AAAAAAAADOM/ffvLw807JZEGHqa-kFFHy4qq6aWvjIFUQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to make Sushi Arancini" border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--g-VWEx_DU4/WUwLHsnJrtI/AAAAAAAADOM/ffvLw807JZEGHqa-kFFHy4qq6aWvjIFUQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0040.jpg" title="How to make Sushi Arancini" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Raleway;">I made far too much rice so I also knocked up some Maki rolls (as I also had some Nori sheets in my cupboard). I just marinaded some chicken mini fillets in Teriyaki&nbsp;sauce and then fried them. Spread some rice on the Nori sheet, add the chicken on top and roll up the sheet. Cut into 2cm segments. The dipping sauces I had were Teriyaki sauce and Soy sauce.</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Raleway;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eft7Grlh-cY/WUwMMVb_PiI/AAAAAAAADOY/_e-sjHL34BY1VfeJP2NxM6IpyrxR3YxHwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eft7Grlh-cY/WUwMMVb_PiI/AAAAAAAADOY/_e-sjHL34BY1VfeJP2NxM6IpyrxR3YxHwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0036.jpg" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Raleway;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Raleway; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.bigsteviecool.co.uk/2016/10/monday-munchies-sushi.html" target="_blank">Find out how to make sushi at home with the kids here</a>&nbsp;and don't forget to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bigsteviecool/" target="_blank">follow Big Stevie Cool on Instagram </a>for lots of foodie pics.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Raleway; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Raleway; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H-7ssxQ2woQ/WUwTs0PyMBI/AAAAAAAADOw/WTBq387LgJ0B37MKW3MG13mQ1xwocagWgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-06-22%2Bat%2B19.59.43.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="1016" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H-7ssxQ2woQ/WUwTs0PyMBI/AAAAAAAADOw/WTBq387LgJ0B37MKW3MG13mQ1xwocagWgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-06-22%2Bat%2B19.59.43.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bigsteviecool/" target="_blank">Follow Big Stevie Cool on Instagram here</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Raleway; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Raleway; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Raleway; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Raleway; text-align: justify;">Well, that's all for now.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Raleway; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Raleway; text-align: justify;">S</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Raleway; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-11212781357507676782017-06-22T06:30:00.000+01:002017-06-22T06:30:25.722+01:00Rockliffe Hall: A Spa day from a man's perspectiveI like to think that I'm a pretty chilled out dude. But every now and then even I need time to relax and recently Mrs. Cool told me we were having a day at Rockliffe Hall, a five star luxury hotel, spa and golf course in Darlington, County Durham. Spa days are not what most blokes think of when looking for something to do to relax but I love them. Having three kids aged 10 and under there times when I just need some quiet time and a spa day if perfect for that.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uB6PGo2FUw/WUJ9QDEiCaI/AAAAAAAADNk/9cvHpEYNr_4fbkeIUhVTI0R0mBbKr2qfACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uB6PGo2FUw/WUJ9QDEiCaI/AAAAAAAADNk/9cvHpEYNr_4fbkeIUhVTI0R0mBbKr2qfACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0686.jpg" /></a></div><br />We arrived at around 10am and I was immediately impressed by the grounds, we headed to reception and checked in. We were taken to the dining area as brunch was served before we went to the spa. I was expecting the brunch to be a buffet or continental style but boy was I wrong. The menu is extensive, with sausage or bacon sandwiches, full english and various egg dishes as well as a selection of pastries. I went for the Eggs Benedict (my favourite) and Mrs Cool had a Bacon Sandwich and we shared some Croissant and Pain aux Raisin and all were delicious.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KeySUg6kjuM/WUKBRIlxb-I/AAAAAAAADNs/WBudj8covWs4aWkYIkyT9_XKmk7uMQw6gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KeySUg6kjuM/WUKBRIlxb-I/AAAAAAAADNs/WBudj8covWs4aWkYIkyT9_XKmk7uMQw6gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0694.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvIK6BGmSYg/WUKBPb_ms7I/AAAAAAAADNo/D7KCTt1Dhuoysint17oko97cItv_NaqMwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvIK6BGmSYg/WUKBPb_ms7I/AAAAAAAADNo/D7KCTt1Dhuoysint17oko97cItv_NaqMwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0695.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yk6pVDp9jvI/WUKBYG_HK9I/AAAAAAAADNw/GmWftQJdz_4bfqa9LSz_PiHS1gE23xjxQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yk6pVDp9jvI/WUKBYG_HK9I/AAAAAAAADNw/GmWftQJdz_4bfqa9LSz_PiHS1gE23xjxQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0693.jpg" /></a></div><br />When we were finished our Brunch we headed to the locker rooms to get changed. You enter the Spa from the locker room into the Pool. The Pool is a decent size and has several loungers around the edge, you can have complimentary water (and flavoured water, the choice on the day were were there was ginger and honey) there is also a bar here where you can buy other drinks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XNKiptxG2I/WUKLA7dXJdI/AAAAAAAADN4/VPFZSn521JcwKYgUWIs5lPbQcLcHifpqwCLcBGAs/s1600/spa%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XNKiptxG2I/WUKLA7dXJdI/AAAAAAAADN4/VPFZSn521JcwKYgUWIs5lPbQcLcHifpqwCLcBGAs/s1600/spa%2B3.jpg" /></a></div><br />I swam a few lengths of the pool while Mrs. Cool perused the latest copy of Cosmopolitan and then we decided to take advantage of the Garden as it was an unexpectedly sunny day. We sipped our water and I had a leaf through GQ (and obviously wanted to buy everything that was out of my price range) and then we had a dip in the hot tub.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rk10BrGjFAo/WUKNqFLOVfI/AAAAAAAADN8/lGOXEqrkARgU-KUtb3VISx7d7bZJZXxxgCLcBGAs/s1600/18622215_714518878749429_2711634507485080755_n%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rk10BrGjFAo/WUKNqFLOVfI/AAAAAAAADN8/lGOXEqrkARgU-KUtb3VISx7d7bZJZXxxgCLcBGAs/s1600/18622215_714518878749429_2711634507485080755_n%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br />Adjacent to the Pool is a hydro pool which has several massage stations and water jets, there was also a foot spa here where you can alternate soaking your feet in hot and cold water. Mrs. Cool enjoyed the Tepidarium which was a hot room with heated tile beds for you to lie on. Next was my favourite part of the day, at either side of the foot spa is the Igloo and the Sauna. The idea is to alternate between the two, we went into the Igloo first and it was as cold as you would expect, there is an ice fountain where you rub ice all over your body and then you head over to the sauna for 10 minutes and then repeat the process 2 more times. Alternating between hot and cold was very invigorating, Mrs. Cool doesn't really like the cold but I loved this part of the day. Next up was a steam room called the Caldarium and then we went back to the sauna one for time before it was time to leave.<br /><br />After getting changed and collecting my things I was amazed by a handy little gadget in the locker room for drying your trunks. I just popped my wet trunks in the machine held down the lid and minute later my trunks were dry and ready to go straight in my bag. I love a little bit of tech.<br /><br />Well, That's all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/bigsteviecoolblog" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Facebook here.</a></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-12302740609676156002017-06-08T06:30:00.000+01:002017-06-08T06:30:06.890+01:00Wonder Woman: A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kY4UHye3MbE/WTgC-w2uh3I/AAAAAAAADMY/Av3p6_Ulb2USIrlUTeincJvF_2yZ9DHzACLcB/s1600/wonder_woman_ver8_xlg-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="800" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kY4UHye3MbE/WTgC-w2uh3I/AAAAAAAADMY/Av3p6_Ulb2USIrlUTeincJvF_2yZ9DHzACLcB/s1600/wonder_woman_ver8_xlg-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />I have long been a defender of the DC Cinematic Universe. I argued <a href="http://www.bigsteviecool.co.uk/2016/03/defending-batman-v-superman.html" target="_blank">here</a> that Batman Vs Superman was both the 3rd best Batman movie and the 3rd best Superman movie. I also stated <a href="http://www.bigsteviecool.co.uk/2016/08/suicide-squad-review.html" target="_blank">here</a> that although Suicide Squad wasn't going to win any awards, it was still the type of fun, stupid movie that you need every now and then. But it looked like I was alone in my praise for the DC franchise. That was until a raven haired Amazon from the Island of Themyscira stepped onto the scene in Wonder Woman. It's been a hit at the box office and critics and fans have agreed this film is a real winner (which DC have needed after the negative response to the last two films).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SMPq0b-kudo/WThbyc47vEI/AAAAAAAADM4/gxJ2Qtrvuq0Bj-NgYdne2lmSS7p_W-ZygCLcB/s1600/871169429563777024-png__700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SMPq0b-kudo/WThbyc47vEI/AAAAAAAADM4/gxJ2Qtrvuq0Bj-NgYdne2lmSS7p_W-ZygCLcB/s1600/871169429563777024-png__700.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k46o-sb9soU/WThb5dQdpOI/AAAAAAAADM8/1CFL0VzncQYIEpZ-aE_mYmSOJ2yznFsDQCLcB/s1600/871495368386596866-png__700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k46o-sb9soU/WThb5dQdpOI/AAAAAAAADM8/1CFL0VzncQYIEpZ-aE_mYmSOJ2yznFsDQCLcB/s1600/871495368386596866-png__700.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DuMg8O4BLM/WThb_WVXwAI/AAAAAAAADNA/ikVbArqSJQ8Zy6fe3dQwXuW4L_dfZ5vCACLcB/s1600/871546233436991488-png__700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="700" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DuMg8O4BLM/WThb_WVXwAI/AAAAAAAADNA/ikVbArqSJQ8Zy6fe3dQwXuW4L_dfZ5vCACLcB/s1600/871546233436991488-png__700.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjrtlLjVRwA/WThcM8Pu2VI/AAAAAAAADNE/lYVkxt3wpXkTqTpPMCoyJ58T6ElcVNFfwCLcB/s1600/871560835323240448-png__700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjrtlLjVRwA/WThcM8Pu2VI/AAAAAAAADNE/lYVkxt3wpXkTqTpPMCoyJ58T6ElcVNFfwCLcB/s1600/871560835323240448-png__700.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) is Diana, Princess of Themyscira, The film starts with Diana as a young girl living a blissful life on Thmyscira but dreaming of being a warrior like her mother Queen Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen) and aunt Antiope (Robin Wright). Her mother doesn't want her to train to be a warrior but her aunt secretly trains her anyway, eventually becoming the greatest warrior of all. But she's never faced a real enemy before so how can she really be a warrior? Well that all changes when a plane crashes into the sea. She rescues the pilot, Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), he is followed by German bad guys who proceed to storm the beach of Themyscira but are eventually defeated by Diana and the Amazons. Steve then explains (while being interrogated with a magic lasso thing) that he is a spy and that the whole world is at war so Diana decides to go back with him as she believes that Ares, The god of war, has returned and it is the Amazons sole purpose to defeat Ares.<br /><br />Steve has nicked notebook of secret naughty shit from more German bad guys and needs to get it back to London. The main antagonists are Dr. Maru (with the supervillain nickname Dr. Poison) and General Ludendorff a German Officer who is working with Dr. Poison. If I'm honest the baddies are a bit of a let down in the film. They are pretty generic (although Dr. Poison does have a gnarly disfigured face/mask thing going on) their plan is to release a new type of mustard gas, like I said pretty generic.<br /><br />Back in London Steve and Diana head to British Intelligence to drop of the notebook and they meet Sir Patrick Morgan (David Thewlis) who comes across as a pacifist and is trying to broker an armistice. They also meet up with Steve's secretary Etta (who I only just realised is played by Lucy Davis while I write this), Etta provides some comic relief as she tries to get Diana to fit in with the London dress code. They soon recruit some more help with Charlie (Ewan Bremner) who is a sharpshooter, The Chief (Eugene Brave Rock) is a smuggler and Sameer (Said Taghmaoui) is a conman/actor who also provides some lighter moments. The group head into German occupied Belgium to stop the baddies.<br /><br />Diana is convinced that Ludendorff is Ares and is determined to confront him. While Steve wants to stop Dr. Poison and destroy the gas. The final act does lose it's way a bit and there is a twist that I saw coming a mile away but Mrs. Cool and the kids weren't expecting. The final battle is impressive and Wonder Woman will obviously play a pivotal role in Justice League. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hW-fHvaIGzU/WThzcwQ36II/AAAAAAAADNU/ytldA47dAAEuwXbJIKNM7KxtXuby_FFWwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1516" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hW-fHvaIGzU/WThzcwQ36II/AAAAAAAADNU/ytldA47dAAEuwXbJIKNM7KxtXuby_FFWwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0855.jpg" /></a></div><br />As a Dad of a little girl I'm so happy that there are starting to be some female role models in film for her to look up to and feel empowered by, but it's not just for girls me and the boys both really enjoyed the film too, I'm looking forward to the future of DC. With more superheroines like Captain Marvel, The Wasp and Batgirl appearing as main characters or in their own movies over the next few years female characters are set to get a strong push for the first time ever and this is what we've needed for a long time.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/bigsteviecool" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Twitter here.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKuZkpBcFYw/WThSN-wifZI/AAAAAAAADMo/Hjg8p2UcwJABV_lYePgkD1RfKPda4lDyQCLcB/s1600/wonder-woman-final-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKuZkpBcFYw/WThSN-wifZI/AAAAAAAADMo/Hjg8p2UcwJABV_lYePgkD1RfKPda4lDyQCLcB/s1600/wonder-woman-final-poster.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-32757938130667883022017-05-31T06:30:00.000+01:002017-05-31T09:37:30.387+01:00The Greatest Car of 80's TV and FilmThere were loads of <a href="https://www.vertuleasecars.co.uk/news/cars-of-80s-film-tv" target="_blank">iconic cars in 80's TV and Film</a>&nbsp;- I had a little trip down back to the future with a little graphic that <a href="https://www.vertuleasecars.co.uk/" target="_blank">Vertu Lease Cars</a> have put together. Some were cool like The DeLorean from Back to the Future and The General Lee from Dukes of Hazzard. &nbsp;Some were comedy gold like Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters or The Reliant Regal Supervan from Only fools and Horses.<br /><br />A while ago I posted about my favourite TV shows from when I was a kid in the 80's (you can read <a href="http://www.bigsteviecool.co.uk/2016/06/child-of-80s-television.html" target="_blank">here</a>). In that list was a show that happened to revolve around a car that for me is the greatest of all. I am of course talking about the Knight Industries Two Thousand or KITT for short from the eternal classic, Knight Rider.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbozquAaPRo/WS2_YwcY2OI/AAAAAAAADL8/wRtE5TKqNiQX5i2Ly0B-GIAF6BYxMAEXgCLcB/s1600/Knight2000_ex107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbozquAaPRo/WS2_YwcY2OI/AAAAAAAADL8/wRtE5TKqNiQX5i2Ly0B-GIAF6BYxMAEXgCLcB/s1600/Knight2000_ex107.jpg" /></a></div><br />The modified jet black Pontiac Trans Am is not only the coolest looking car of all time but is chock full of all manor of upgrades and gadgets. It was near indestructable, often surviving gunfire, explosions and high-speed chases. KITT also had a AI mind of it's own and the freaking thing could talk (nothing is as cool as a talking car). Not forgetting the front mounted scanner that made an often imitated (at least by me as a child) vwoom-vwoom sound.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FvUgvdGybU/WS3BSbOwJ_I/AAAAAAAADMI/-NEKb1f4Q7kv3IvYF7H8pX5kvj4VT-oCQCLcB/s1600/7551340602_9e581707d1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FvUgvdGybU/WS3BSbOwJ_I/AAAAAAAADMI/-NEKb1f4Q7kv3IvYF7H8pX5kvj4VT-oCQCLcB/s1600/7551340602_9e581707d1_b.jpg" /></a></div><br />On top of all that KITT was a crime fighter who helped Michael Knight (played by the coolest man of the 80's, David Hasselhoff) fight all manner of bad guys. There was no situation that Michael Knight and KITT couldn't sort out.<br /><br />If this wasn't enough Knight Rider also had the coolest theme tune EVER!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oNyXYPhnUIs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oNyXYPhnUIs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><br />Were you a fan of Knight Rider? Are there any Cars from 80's TV or film that you think are better than KITT?<br /><br /><br />Well, thats all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/bigsteviecoolblog" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Facebook here.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is a collaborative post.</i></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-69845133776243537462017-05-26T06:30:00.000+01:002017-05-26T06:30:20.145+01:00Give your BBQ a Japanese Zing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9oxZXcIBw5I/WSXEQ7MHdgI/AAAAAAAADK0/3bUG16naZEQCAvhkUlqhyvlePGFpiIHAwCLcB/s1600/BBQtitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9oxZXcIBw5I/WSXEQ7MHdgI/AAAAAAAADK0/3bUG16naZEQCAvhkUlqhyvlePGFpiIHAwCLcB/s1600/BBQtitle.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i style="color: #999999;">*this is a collaborative post</i></div><br /><br /><br />Summer is nearly here and that means it's time to get out the BBQ. You may have seen we recently got a new BBQ this week and when I was asked by Yutaka to try these recipes it gave our first BBQ a Japanese twist. I love Sushi and BBQ's so this seemed like a genius idea.<br /><br /><b><u>Panko Burgers (makes 6)</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>Ingredients:<br /><br />For the burger.<br /><br />2 small red onions (finely chopped)<br />2 crushed garlic cloves<br />500g lean minced beef<br />2 tbsp Yutaka panko breadcrumbs<br />1 tbsp Yutaka miso sauce<br />1 tbsp Yutaka Yakiniku sauce<br />salt &amp; pepper<br /><br />For the BBQ sauce.<br /><br />4 tbsp ketchup<br />1 tbsp Yutaka Japanese Rice Vinegar<br />2 tbsp Yutaka Tamari Soy Sauce<br />1/4 tsp Yutaka Wasabi Paste<br />1 crushed garlic clove<br />2 tsp soft brown sugar<br />dash of Tabasco<br />pinch of salt<br /><br />Method:<br /><br />Combine the burger ingredients in a food processor and mix together and form into 6 patties, cover and chill. Mix the sauce together and brush the patties with the sauce just before putting on the BBQ along with any toppings you want (I like mushrooms and onions). Once cooked assemble the burger, mix some wasabi paste and mayonnaise together and spread this on the bottom half of your bun and place some salad leaves and add the burger and toppings.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmA94LCzVjo/WSXlBNFELxI/AAAAAAAADLM/Vt8-SiEuqCAavf9aTgJ7gOWuexKtHBaPACLcB/s1600/DSC_0677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmA94LCzVjo/WSXlBNFELxI/AAAAAAAADLM/Vt8-SiEuqCAavf9aTgJ7gOWuexKtHBaPACLcB/s1600/DSC_0677.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><u>Sushi Kebabs (makes 4)</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>Ingredients:<br /><br />for the skewers.<br /><br />6 mini peppers (deseeded and cut into quarters)<br />2 courgettes (sliced in 5mm rounds)<br />12 small button mushrooms<br />marinaded chicken (enough for 12 chunks)<br /><br />for the rice.<br /><br />250g sushi rice<br />330ml water<br />3tbsp Yutaka Japanese rice vinegar<br />2 tbsp sugar<br />1 tsp salt<br /><br />for the marinade.<br /><br />2 tbsp Yutaka Yakiniku sauce<br />1 tbsp Yutaka Miso sauce<br />2 tbsp Yutaka Tamari Soy sauce<br />2 crushed garlic cloves<br />1 tbsp chopped Yutaka Sushi Ginger<br />1 tbsp Yutaka Mirin<br />2 tbsp Yutaka Shaoxing rice wine<br /><br />(you will also needs some Nori sheets and a bamboo roller)<br /><br />Method:<br /><br />Combine the marinade ingredients and cover the chicken in the mix and chill in the fridge for at least 12 hours. To make the sushi rice, wash the rice 3 or 4 times in cold water. drain the rice in a sieve and then add to a saucepan with 330 ml of water and bring to the boil, simmer for 10 mins with a lid on and the turn the heat off and leave for 30 mins. Once the rice has cooled mix the rice vinegar, sugar and salt and the fold this into the rice. Assemble the kebabs (TIP: soak the skewer stick in water for around 4 hours to stop them burning on the BBQ) cook the kebabs on the BBQ turning them several times. Place a Nori sheet on the bamboo roller and spread some of the rice on the sheet add the cooked kebab and roll in the Nori sheet. Remove the skewer and cut into sushi pieces serve with salad leaves and the BBQ sauce.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rw2gLB3Dptc/WSXrLvPig7I/AAAAAAAADLs/QHySZJVCCOYFcAzFyty5lOY166VkIv1oQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rw2gLB3Dptc/WSXrLvPig7I/AAAAAAAADLs/QHySZJVCCOYFcAzFyty5lOY166VkIv1oQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0679.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e46KK52Zuug/WSXqX-AkJjI/AAAAAAAADLg/BIuXq4b7O9gJVQgn3Lcy4aLOAQi9JGNbgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e46KK52Zuug/WSXqX-AkJjI/AAAAAAAADLg/BIuXq4b7O9gJVQgn3Lcy4aLOAQi9JGNbgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0681.jpg" /></a></div><br />With BBQ season just around the corner this is a great alternative to the normal BBQ fare. You can also rope your kids into helping with the prep. Mine loved assembling the kebabs and we all had fun at attempting to roll the sushi up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AIByKIEWHM4/WSXrB3KARyI/AAAAAAAADLo/-t5JLPB9nWc_x-DWTmNFOKe9YFekrj8JwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AIByKIEWHM4/WSXrB3KARyI/AAAAAAAADLo/-t5JLPB9nWc_x-DWTmNFOKe9YFekrj8JwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0684.jpg" /></a></div><br />Well, That's all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.instagram.com/bigsteviecool" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Instagram here.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>pin me for later</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IA2ei23Dfh4/WSXFANK3u_I/AAAAAAAADK8/hnv4p3vcwNg8v5GfN2vvyrZsyryjZN__gCLcB/s1600/BBQpin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IA2ei23Dfh4/WSXFANK3u_I/AAAAAAAADK8/hnv4p3vcwNg8v5GfN2vvyrZsyryjZN__gCLcB/s400/BBQpin.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-48828498676859048222017-05-12T06:30:00.000+01:002017-05-16T09:42:58.337+01:00A day in HavanaIf you follow me on social media it will come as no surprise that Mrs Cool and I recently travelled to Cuba on Holiday. It was amazing, it was definitely the best holiday I have been on and my favourite part was the day we spent in the Capital City, Havana.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_do9tEcFCp4/WRG37vTGyYI/AAAAAAAADHM/SBGqvgQ18xob_EZdONJF8df9zSC3CPMngCLcB/s1600/18033837_10155367351753933_7936398138664819322_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_do9tEcFCp4/WRG37vTGyYI/AAAAAAAADHM/SBGqvgQ18xob_EZdONJF8df9zSC3CPMngCLcB/s1600/18033837_10155367351753933_7936398138664819322_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UN1UBCitEcs/WRMUiGRUnPI/AAAAAAAADJs/rFkapciseR8pX0trKALySey_v7KZix3vACLcB/s1600/17990992_10155367354128933_3114761790747850120_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UN1UBCitEcs/WRMUiGRUnPI/AAAAAAAADJs/rFkapciseR8pX0trKALySey_v7KZix3vACLcB/s1600/17990992_10155367354128933_3114761790747850120_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />We had booked a private tour rather than going on the bus tour you can book through Thomas Cook and were really excited to be driven to Havana in one of the famous classic cars which are so synonymous with Cuba. Our guide Jorge and our driver for the day Yusiel picked us up from our hotel early in the morning in a 1956 Chevrolet. The Jet black Sedan was in incredible condition considering it was over 60 years old (Mrs Cool joked that it was in better condition than our car). On the drive to Havana we talked with Jorge about what we wanted to do in in Havana and what we knew about Cuba. He told us about the work that goes into keeping the car running, telling us you need to have a good mango tree at home to use as shade as there are many hours spent on repairs.<br /><br />The drive took around 2 1/2 hours, we drove through Varadero (the resort we we're staying at) and Matanzas a city on the way to Havana. Jorge asked if it was ok if we stopped at the post office as he had a letter he needed to post (we soon found out that our guide had a few more errands to run throughout the day but we didn't mind and found it funny). We stopped off at the Bacunayagua Bridge about halfway through our journey to stretch our legs. Bacunayagua Bridge is the highest bridge in Cuba at 110 meters &nbsp;high. The views are stunning and there is a little bar and market at one end. The bar was great with a traditional Cuban band playing and Piná Coladas for sale where you can add the rum yourself and make it as strong as you want.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fD4Fvr1quK0/WRG-BR5_a0I/AAAAAAAADHc/jvhywbj7aNwWc-VkgL0TtbH_F_jCGkYngCLcB/s1600/18057864_10155367350638933_8792691106593234854_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fD4Fvr1quK0/WRG-BR5_a0I/AAAAAAAADHc/jvhywbj7aNwWc-VkgL0TtbH_F_jCGkYngCLcB/s1600/18057864_10155367350638933_8792691106593234854_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />When we arrived in Havana we headed first to Revolution Square. Revolution Square is the political centre of Cuba, Jorge told us how Fidel Castro wanted to make Revolution Square as Iconic as Red Square in Moscow and how he addressed over 1 million people during the Cuban Revolution. Other Heroes of the Cuban revolution are celebrated here too as the faces of Camilio Cienfuegos and Che Guevara adorn the two main government buildings overlooking the square. There were a lot of people here milling around - some tourists, some locals, a few taxi drivers waiting for their pick ups by their classic cars. There was some police here too and people making preparations for the May Day Celebrations that would be taking place soon, Jorge told us how the square would be packed with people come May Day but this may be as attendance at the celebrations were mandatory for government employees.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YebU1c9aojk/WRMXLoSovUI/AAAAAAAADKE/B9jaATn5MM8gNu1Oun7jA7jIjYu20TjfwCLcB/s1600/17951467_10155367348553933_6421207943535044249_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YebU1c9aojk/WRMXLoSovUI/AAAAAAAADKE/B9jaATn5MM8gNu1Oun7jA7jIjYu20TjfwCLcB/s1600/17951467_10155367348553933_6421207943535044249_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjamnEYC9uU/WRMUU6mQ-9I/AAAAAAAADJo/gt5Fkp-YxuMzx3k6E_Xt4qY8mkjxZ1SfgCLcB/s1600/18034347_10155367350863933_3614934572112485060_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjamnEYC9uU/WRMUU6mQ-9I/AAAAAAAADJo/gt5Fkp-YxuMzx3k6E_Xt4qY8mkjxZ1SfgCLcB/s1600/18034347_10155367350863933_3614934572112485060_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvcepC2U4zo/WRHCIEVLL7I/AAAAAAAADHo/p31aA-8iJGMOhHva5vIZZ105eeRLXwTOQCLcB/s1600/18057193_10155367351158933_8581184336880246909_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvcepC2U4zo/WRHCIEVLL7I/AAAAAAAADHo/p31aA-8iJGMOhHva5vIZZ105eeRLXwTOQCLcB/s1600/18057193_10155367351158933_8581184336880246909_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp_XuWmi0Ig/WRHCNK-tKjI/AAAAAAAADHs/UcQzK3mQElkLn8HXah1Yd4-V3zDPzB57gCLcB/s1600/18057779_10155367352583933_1515136085143055218_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp_XuWmi0Ig/WRHCNK-tKjI/AAAAAAAADHs/UcQzK3mQElkLn8HXah1Yd4-V3zDPzB57gCLcB/s1600/18057779_10155367352583933_1515136085143055218_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />When we were finished taking our photos at Revolution Square we headed along The Malecon which is the road along the coast and arrived at the Hotel Nacional De Cuba, probably the most famous hotel in Cuba. You can feel the history of the building as you walk through the doors. The lobby still has all it's original fixtures so it really feels like you're stepping back in time. Through the lobby is the Terrace which is incredible and you can certainly see why the hotel has hosted Celebrities and Presidents in the past. Jorge also told us the hotel was the site of the infamous 'Havana Conference' held by the heads of the most powerful Mafia Families in 1946 where they discussed many aspects of their criminal empire. The conference is famously recreated in the Francis Ford Coppola's classic movie The Godfather Part II.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOi809hTPi0/WRHG_5GlvMI/AAAAAAAADH4/jTY1Dnc2IkoqH6SeMk-9pHXwr3BvWmDcQCLcB/s1600/17952603_10155367350383933_4332827844758019705_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOi809hTPi0/WRHG_5GlvMI/AAAAAAAADH4/jTY1Dnc2IkoqH6SeMk-9pHXwr3BvWmDcQCLcB/s1600/17952603_10155367350383933_4332827844758019705_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />After we had taken a stroll around the grounds of the Hotel Nacional de Cuba we headed to Old Havana. This was my favourite part of Havana, walking through the streets the funk of cigar smoke and diesel fumes hanging in the air as the sounds of cuban music seemed to come from every doorway and alley, I really felt like I could stay here forever. Eventually we made our way to Floridita the famous bar and restaurant that was a favourite of the author Ernest Hemmingway. Stepping through the door was a complete contrast to outside as the heat and bright sunshine of the street were replaced by a cool air conditioned bar that provided much needed respite. There was a live band playing as soon as you walk through the door and place was packed, everyone had a Daiquiri and there was a statue of Hemmingway sat at the bar.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aaMdtEvVR_o/WRLjhE4wPmI/AAAAAAAADII/kIRVDOkVfIgJ3lYN97xhpLTWKUh7VnppgCLcB/s1600/17951467_10155367349543933_397712969908559861_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aaMdtEvVR_o/WRLjhE4wPmI/AAAAAAAADII/kIRVDOkVfIgJ3lYN97xhpLTWKUh7VnppgCLcB/s1600/17951467_10155367349543933_397712969908559861_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />When we were ready to brave the heat again we headed to through more streets past incredible architecture to the impressive Plaza de la Catedral where the Cathedral of The Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception stands. Jorge told us how prior to the Cuban War of Independence when Cuba was a Spanish territory the Cathedral used to hold the remains of Christopher Columbus but when Spain ceded the Island in 1898 the remains were returned to Spain (along with all of the statues which is why the there are some empty crevices on the front of the Cathedral).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQb5CHV_PTc/WRMTebqJVCI/AAAAAAAADJc/PQpB4TqWbW8CCLvWk0Ckft3V63u0qCENQCLcB/s1600/18033391_10155367353383933_7661676538050980865_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQb5CHV_PTc/WRMTebqJVCI/AAAAAAAADJc/PQpB4TqWbW8CCLvWk0Ckft3V63u0qCENQCLcB/s1600/18033391_10155367353383933_7661676538050980865_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXPC5BOJZdg/WRMTl98dSmI/AAAAAAAADJg/z0M579FW5cwr2zgMMOKLymakHBitkYKOwCLcB/s1600/18056798_10155367357233933_4105910919493372420_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXPC5BOJZdg/WRMTl98dSmI/AAAAAAAADJg/z0M579FW5cwr2zgMMOKLymakHBitkYKOwCLcB/s1600/18056798_10155367357233933_4105910919493372420_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUdBVoxTzus/WRLs9wNDfCI/AAAAAAAADIY/gjd5Sq4Np4AvA1q76H3v3o3Kq9GpbMzugCLcB/s1600/18010394_10155367350678933_7320777663145798942_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUdBVoxTzus/WRLs9wNDfCI/AAAAAAAADIY/gjd5Sq4Np4AvA1q76H3v3o3Kq9GpbMzugCLcB/s1600/18010394_10155367350678933_7320777663145798942_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />We were getting a little thirsty at this point and as we were walking down an alley Jorge pulled us to one side and in a little doorway they were selling coconut water straight from the coconut. Jorge left us here while he ran one of his other errands (lol) and we had a little chat about what we had been enjoying throughout the day. We both agreed that this little stall is definitely something that we would have missed had we went for the bus tour.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rypevphIcwo/WRLt77CyxdI/AAAAAAAADIk/yk_4HCew8ZMOq7Bh9dPW2BFyeuWEoJbUwCLcB/s1600/18033887_10155367348438933_1673995883647827599_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rypevphIcwo/WRLt77CyxdI/AAAAAAAADIk/yk_4HCew8ZMOq7Bh9dPW2BFyeuWEoJbUwCLcB/s1600/18033887_10155367348438933_1673995883647827599_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />When Jorge returned we headed along The Malecon to the ferry terminal to cross the bay (as the main tunnel was closed for repairs). This was definitely not on the tourist route, We were literally the only tourists on the ferry as the the rest of the passengers were all Cubans just going about their day. We arrived at Casa Blanca train (tram?) station where Jorge told us was the only electric train in Cuba. Our driver Yusiel had to take the long way round and met us there and it was a short drive to where we would have lunch. Again we both agreed that this restaurant would not have been possible if we had taken the bus tour. From the outside it just looked like a normal Cuban house but when your go through to the garden there is an amazing courtyard that has been converted to a restaurant and bar. Jorge had suggested we try a dish (whose name I can't remember) which was a seafood pasta but when we arrive our waitress persuaded us to try the surf and turf sharing platter and were weren't disappointed. We had grilled chicken and pork along with pan fried Shrimp and fish and barbecued lobster. I've never been a massive fan of lobster but this was the best I've had. We also had side of rice, black beans and salad which you will get with most Cuban meals. The bar was great as well and I had the best Mojito of my whole holiday here.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sL-DzaKkF3A/WRLxtX2G5CI/AAAAAAAADIw/JoA9oIhddMAMu-6kcqV4PRSm54iBoILRQCLcB/s1600/18033797_10155367356133933_5465499422151308834_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sL-DzaKkF3A/WRLxtX2G5CI/AAAAAAAADIw/JoA9oIhddMAMu-6kcqV4PRSm54iBoILRQCLcB/s1600/18033797_10155367356133933_5465499422151308834_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ8WwpBvCho/WRLxyAo5uSI/AAAAAAAADI0/N7oQTb-op7w1PRc_aq64lq0-feyvI8S4QCLcB/s1600/18057072_10155367356438933_2841983888147569000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ8WwpBvCho/WRLxyAo5uSI/AAAAAAAADI0/N7oQTb-op7w1PRc_aq64lq0-feyvI8S4QCLcB/s1600/18057072_10155367356438933_2841983888147569000_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />After lunch we headed back to the car and went to Morro Castle the ruins of the fortress that used to guard the entrance to Havana Bay. I love a castle and living in Northumberland I have plenty on my doorstep. Morro Castle was certainly impressive and I could imagine seeing it in it's hay day in the 18th century.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZYRS6Ov9Y0/WRL4kGBMFHI/AAAAAAAADJM/Pu0UO1MEC4g__Qt5K857ZpBNNK33ok6KACLcB/s1600/18057832_10155367352713933_5528767906230560196_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZYRS6Ov9Y0/WRL4kGBMFHI/AAAAAAAADJM/Pu0UO1MEC4g__Qt5K857ZpBNNK33ok6KACLcB/s1600/18057832_10155367352713933_5528767906230560196_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />Our last stop was a visit the Statue of Christ, the 20 meter high statue of Jesus sits on a hill over looking the city and can be seen from many points around Havana. Jorge told us how former Cuban Dictator Fulgencio Batista had chosen the site as the statue could be seen directly from the Presidential Palace so his wife could see it each morning when she opened the bedroom window. However only a few days after the statue was unveiled Batista and his wife fled Havana as his government was over thrown by the Cuban Revolution so his wife didn't get many chances to see it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2sP3wk1aM4/WRL07lAtXPI/AAAAAAAADJA/2yJ4yzppMi0jq2KZops6GALNBCOovm7zgCLcB/s1600/17966151_10155367356953933_140057028586633620_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2sP3wk1aM4/WRL07lAtXPI/AAAAAAAADJA/2yJ4yzppMi0jq2KZops6GALNBCOovm7zgCLcB/s1600/17966151_10155367356953933_140057028586633620_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />After taking in the last of the sights from Havana it was time we headed back to our resort. Late in the afternoon we were getting tired and dozed in the car on the way back. We stopped off on the way for another of Jorge's errands before we arrived back at the hotel.<br /><br />I really enjoyed speaking with Jorge about the Cuban way of life and also the politics of his country. Politically I consider myself a Socialist and recently have read a few books on Communism so to visit a country with Marxist-Leninist ideology was very interesting. We will be back and plan to spend more time in Havana on our next visit as we didn't get the chance to sample the nightlife which is also supposed to be very good. My lasting memories of Havana will definitely be walking through the streets and watching the endless parade of classic cars.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vw1QL2RSUvI/WRMVUHTHAuI/AAAAAAAADJ0/gxlD5RY3g1gTu2L6exlC7TUCucW6DcYugCLcB/s1600/17991026_10155367350888933_6433287879888572863_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vw1QL2RSUvI/WRMVUHTHAuI/AAAAAAAADJ0/gxlD5RY3g1gTu2L6exlC7TUCucW6DcYugCLcB/s1600/17991026_10155367350888933_6433287879888572863_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BS97Yrwxmf4/WRMVbdI7wZI/AAAAAAAADJ4/eqc9W-0taj4c5bsIHV30FVx0BejsFdsEgCLcB/s1600/18010792_10155367355813933_3292850322101787101_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BS97Yrwxmf4/WRMVbdI7wZI/AAAAAAAADJ4/eqc9W-0taj4c5bsIHV30FVx0BejsFdsEgCLcB/s1600/18010792_10155367355813933_3292850322101787101_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Viva La Revolućion<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/bigsteviecoolblog" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Facebook here.</a></div><div align="center"><a href="https://www.mummytravels.com/" rel="nofollow" title="MummyTravels"><img alt="MummyTravels" src="https://www.mummytravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/city-tripping-linky-badge.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-91305132289694549322017-05-11T06:30:00.000+01:002017-05-11T06:30:36.795+01:00Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M94_kx57HDg/WRN0HaR_gAI/AAAAAAAADKU/sNhMt6E-lhA9VP_UpPg2edg8SgJSS49lgCLcB/s1600/Guardians-of-the-Galaxy-Vol-2-New-Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M94_kx57HDg/WRN0HaR_gAI/AAAAAAAADKU/sNhMt6E-lhA9VP_UpPg2edg8SgJSS49lgCLcB/s1600/Guardians-of-the-Galaxy-Vol-2-New-Poster.jpg" /></a></div><br />When Guardians of the Galaxy was released in 2014 for me it came out of nowhere, I'd never heard of the Guardians before and rightly so I was blown away. It has become one of my favourite Marvel films and my kids love it too so when we went to see the sequel we had high hopes. I'm pleased to report that Volume 2 lived up to those high hopes. Marvel seems to be able to do no wrong recently as everything they've done in the last few years has been great.<br /><br />My only criticism is the central plot is pretty generic, Peter Quill/Star-Lord is reunited with his long lost father who turns out to be a psychopathic living planet who wants to destroy all life in the universe. How many times have we seen that old scenario?<br /><br />A few of the sub plots are old hat too. Star-Lord and Gamora have a 'will they/won't they' unspoken thing between them that he keeps making references to Cheers about. These references go over Gamora's head (much like they did a lot of the audience I was watching with). Gamora and Nebula also have a classic feuding sisters plot. Also Rocket and Yondu are both douche bags screaming at the world who realise they're only angry so they don't get hurt if they let someone get close to them.<br /><br />But didn't I say I loved it? So what was so good about it? Well, for one the cast are all great. All the main guys are back and the addition of Kurt Russel as Star-Lords dad Ego and Pom Klementieff as Mantis bring new interesting characters. The scenes between Star-Lord and Ego are great, Star-lord is a little doe eyed at finally meeting his dad and learning is true heritage and Kurt Russel is perfect as Star-Lord's dad. The opening scene involves some incredible CGI to make Kurt Russel look like he's in in twenties, this type of CGI has been used before in films like TRON Legacy and Ant-Man but never has it ben quite so convincing. Another great duo is Drax and Mantis. Mantis being so naive to think everyone is nice and Drax having no internal filter between what he thinks and what he says make hilarious viewing. Rocket is great again this time nicking some batteries from some gold dudes who then decide to pursue the Guardians throughout the film. A few great space battles take place with the gold dudes using drone type space ships piloted from their planet in a sort of gamer/VR type set up. There are a few good cameos too, some I wasn't expecting as well as the obligatory Stan Lee Cameo.<br /><br />But the real star is Baby Groot, He steals every scene he is in. One of the early scenes is almost entirely Groot having a good time dancing to Mr Blue Sky while the rest of the Guardians are facing near death. Speaking of Mr Blue Sky by ELO, as with the original film the soundtrack for Volume 2 is amazing. A few classics and a lot of forgotten gems means your foot is tapping most of the way through the film.<br /><br />On a final note I have to mention the post credit scenes. Most Marvel movies have a post credit scene, some have two. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has FIVE post credit scenes. I think along with an age rating each film must now come with a post credit scene count so you know in advance how long you have to wait through the credits for all of the scenes.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now<br /><br />I am Groot<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/bigsteviecool" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Twitter here.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2w3kPLzGR8/WROA0_6qj8I/AAAAAAAADKk/M5tsda6YapQp6yQ14vy6LMu-_Ytw2qiXQCLcB/s1600/guardians_of_the_galaxy_vol_two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2w3kPLzGR8/WROA0_6qj8I/AAAAAAAADKk/M5tsda6YapQp6yQ14vy6LMu-_Ytw2qiXQCLcB/s1600/guardians_of_the_galaxy_vol_two.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-77248078991694543292017-05-08T06:30:00.000+01:002017-05-08T10:11:27.068+01:00Smashburger Newcastle Menu Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkLqhENheXo/WQxSFkfkmSI/AAAAAAAADGA/0fTQnuxSeAwzKDJNlgu615J1D13O7WA9ACLcB/s1600/DSC_0321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkLqhENheXo/WQxSFkfkmSI/AAAAAAAADGA/0fTQnuxSeAwzKDJNlgu615J1D13O7WA9ACLcB/s1600/DSC_0321.jpg" /></a></div><br />There has been an explosion of popularity for burgers in recent years and Newcastle has a fair few burger joints. One of the newest is Smashburger, now you may be aware that I'm partial to a burger, so when I was asked to try out their menu, I jumped at the chance. Situated <a href="http://www.northeastfamilyfun.co.uk/2016/10/restaurant-guide-new-greys-quarter-eldon-square-newcastle.html" target="_blank">in Intu Eldon Square's Grey Quarter</a> right next to the entrance by Hippy Green, Smashburger is a great place to meet friends or go for a quick bite before date night. The menu is extensive with a choice of Beef patties or Chicken (grilled or in crispy batter) with various topping and buns and there are plenty of sides and drinks to choose from too.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Burgers</b><br /><b><br /></b>We both went for Beef patties and when I spotted the Avocado Club Burger on the menu I knew I had to try it, #TeamAvocado, this one comes with fresh avocado, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, ranch dressing and mayo on a multi-grain bun. I usually prefer a brioche bun for a burger but have to admit Smashburger have made the right choice with the multi-grain bun on this one and the combination of ranch dressing with the avocado is a winner.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDgk6AnE-jo/WQxX0KC_iMI/AAAAAAAADGQ/veCp3ZQnLR8OE6_y2HofS3X_7FmvKBvRACLcB/s1600/DSC_0312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDgk6AnE-jo/WQxX0KC_iMI/AAAAAAAADGQ/veCp3ZQnLR8OE6_y2HofS3X_7FmvKBvRACLcB/s1600/DSC_0312.jpg" /></a></div><br />Mrs Cool went for the BBQ, Bacon and Cheddar burger (classic Sam). This comes with BBQ sauce, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese and haystack onions (which are crispy fried onions) on a smash bun.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Yx2qsfOqyg/WQxbC_1yGCI/AAAAAAAADGg/Ie79CzDzG1U56WT3DwtDkOsA7D9ieZyewCLcB/s1600/DSC_0306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Yx2qsfOqyg/WQxbC_1yGCI/AAAAAAAADGg/Ie79CzDzG1U56WT3DwtDkOsA7D9ieZyewCLcB/s1600/DSC_0306.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>Sides</b><br /><b><br /></b>You can't go to a burger place and just have a burger and when it comes to sides me and Mrs Cool always go for fries. I ordered the SmashFries which are french fries tossed in olive oil, rosemary and garlic and Mrs Cool went for the sweet potato fries.<br /><br />Mrs Cool was a little disappointed with her sweet potato fries but I have to say the SmashFries I had were incredible, the rosemary and Garlic really made them stand out from fries you can get from other restaurants.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cbB_x5McYSE/WQxcKvQgCuI/AAAAAAAADGs/hBhpG_yxafUqS7q62ZWuYl5Zjt756ORvQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cbB_x5McYSE/WQxcKvQgCuI/AAAAAAAADGs/hBhpG_yxafUqS7q62ZWuYl5Zjt756ORvQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0307.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aizvCJwGgjM/WQxcPOzqxJI/AAAAAAAADGw/pokLDxK06xAPf05M31Xjqwf2NK-LuqFvwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aizvCJwGgjM/WQxcPOzqxJI/AAAAAAAADGw/pokLDxK06xAPf05M31Xjqwf2NK-LuqFvwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0311.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Drinks</b><br /><b><br /></b>When we told our friends we were going to Smashburger, a few had already been and recommended the Hand-Spun Shakes. Our Waitress also recommended them and they do not disappoint. I went for the Chocolate shake and Mrs Cool had the Chocolate Oreo shake. They are HUGE (practically a meal in themselves), the Oreo shake also has little bits of Oreo's in it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9wsQLOBH5ZU/WQxeewMyNLI/AAAAAAAADG8/4julnoi_n-wFge5Epv5MVPmA7zVd_pSewCLcB/s1600/DSC_0318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9wsQLOBH5ZU/WQxeewMyNLI/AAAAAAAADG8/4julnoi_n-wFge5Epv5MVPmA7zVd_pSewCLcB/s1600/DSC_0318.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b>Mrs Cool had this to say about her meal:<br /><i><br /></i><i>"I will start by saying that I'm a die-hard Fat Hippo fan and I don't think my burger from Smashburger compared. The burger wasn't served pink (which I like) and was a little on the dry side. It definitely needed to be cooked for a little less time and to be served with more BBQ sauce. A messy burger, this is not. My sweet potato fries were also served a little colder than I would have liked and weren't piping hot like Steve's were. <br /><br />I was however impressed with the range of burgers available along with the speedy and friendly service we received. My oreo milkshake was impressive and I would definitely order this again. &nbsp;I also spotted a kids menu which was reasonably priced and Harry, Heidi and Jack would enjoy it here - especially the fancy pop machine with various flavours and unlimited refills. If you are in Eldon Square and fancy a quick burger at a reasonable price, Smashburger will fit the bill. For me though, it just didn't match up to my beloved Fat Hippo burgers from across the road."</i><br /><i><br /></i>I really enjoyed my meal but Mrs Cool not so much. We will still go back as I want to try one of the chicken burgers and I don't think enough burger places have this option.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="htp://www.instagram.com/bigsteviecool" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Instagram here</a></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-53715890940725923972017-04-24T06:00:00.000+01:002017-04-24T06:00:21.533+01:00The Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero One of the reasons we decided to go to Cuba was my love of Rum. It is my favourite spirit and all of my favourite cocktails are Rum based. Staying at the Blau Varadero hotel in Cuba means you get all inclusive food and drink and they have an extensive cocktail menu.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcUCdiqbOSk/WPzIHXeSOuI/AAAAAAAADCU/wcaBaIlg1BAdJ6bTiJVTIYxxlNIH387jwCLcB/s1600/menu1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - menu" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcUCdiqbOSk/WPzIHXeSOuI/AAAAAAAADCU/wcaBaIlg1BAdJ6bTiJVTIYxxlNIH387jwCLcB/s1600/menu1.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - menu" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7rrl2pmBqcg/WPzIMNQ2t7I/AAAAAAAADCY/cJIaSiP6WDoSDm82tcrO3mqj88Ow94K3wCLcB/s1600/menu2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7rrl2pmBqcg/WPzIMNQ2t7I/AAAAAAAADCY/cJIaSiP6WDoSDm82tcrO3mqj88Ow94K3wCLcB/s1600/menu2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jm8yH5yPVuw/WPzIREedFFI/AAAAAAAADCc/A2FFPq2yh1QzfCnEsItyNZ5YlbYSh3zWwCLcB/s1600/menu3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jm8yH5yPVuw/WPzIREedFFI/AAAAAAAADCc/A2FFPq2yh1QzfCnEsItyNZ5YlbYSh3zWwCLcB/s1600/menu3.jpg" /></a></div><br />When we first arrived it was late in the evening and we had been travelling for around 12 hours so we were obviously very tired but we thought we would have a quick drink and then head to bed, at least that was the plan...<br /><br />We ended up getting more than a little drunk and came up with this great idea to try all of the cocktails. Originally we were going to try them all that night but we soon realised it would be impossible to try them all in one night.<br /><br />On to the drinks...<br /><b><br /></b><b>Mary Pickford</b><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0nE9H6cbulk/WPzJAMDzZNI/AAAAAAAADCk/KgBFHRZfDNUzHLCft7MkHuqEXtz4zOK2gCLcB/s1600/18010932_10155367357253933_3255314240753234787_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - Mary Pickford" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0nE9H6cbulk/WPzJAMDzZNI/AAAAAAAADCk/KgBFHRZfDNUzHLCft7MkHuqEXtz4zOK2gCLcB/s1600/18010932_10155367357253933_3255314240753234787_n.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - Mary Pickford" /></a></div><i>White rum, Pineapple Juice and Grenadine.</i><br /><i><br /></i>I'd not heard of this cocktail before but it turned out to be great. This was one of Mrs Cool's regular drinks and she said very sweet and refreshing.<br /><br /><b>Ron Alexander</b><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQPokW1xjAA/WPzKKlueoJI/AAAAAAAADCw/rHDMuOSM_KY9vprl2xOhh-Y1xSzbz2fawCLcB/s1600/18057717_10155367365253933_169521376419449531_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - Ron Alexander" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQPokW1xjAA/WPzKKlueoJI/AAAAAAAADCw/rHDMuOSM_KY9vprl2xOhh-Y1xSzbz2fawCLcB/s1600/18057717_10155367365253933_169521376419449531_n.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - Ron Alexander" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>White Rum, Dark Cacao Liqueur and milk.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another one we hadn't heard of before but this one wasn't as successful as the Mary Pickford. It's was a bit bland (maybe we had a small measure of rum in ours) and was watery and just didn't seem to have anything to it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Mai Tai</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-su4OmrWQLPM/WPzMQomRelI/AAAAAAAADC8/Ri3QZUxe_KohwtcUvqCCZV7EBOR9uD9jwCEw/s1600/18033868_10155367357023933_4573496371387647197_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - mai Tai" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-su4OmrWQLPM/WPzMQomRelI/AAAAAAAADC8/Ri3QZUxe_KohwtcUvqCCZV7EBOR9uD9jwCEw/s1600/18033868_10155367357023933_4573496371387647197_n.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - mai Tai" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Dark Rum, Lime Juice, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice and Dark Cacao Liqueur.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A great Rum cocktail. Just a sip of this and you're on holiday. The rum can be hidden behind the fruit juices meaning you can have more rum without it being over powering (although that can lead to a bad head in the morning).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Sunset</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NziJPW94tGQ/WPzOyqoIcUI/AAAAAAAADDM/MCRGIoJDj-U0uXcRDyM-Ad6IYUQyAS7ewCLcB/s1600/sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - sunset" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NziJPW94tGQ/WPzOyqoIcUI/AAAAAAAADDM/MCRGIoJDj-U0uXcRDyM-Ad6IYUQyAS7ewCLcB/s1600/sunset.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - sunset" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>White Rum, Coconut Liqueur, Orange Juice and Grenadine.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Blau Varadero variation of a tequila sunrise with Rum replacing the Tequila and Grenadine on top instead of the bottom. Another cocktail that just tastes of holidays. For best results, you are advised to mix well before drinking.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Bloody Mary</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qiSo_ICCMxE/WPzOpo3xMuI/AAAAAAAADDQ/ZHRZsczhy4oFsRnFQ97gDLU_kAm8sf8QgCEw/s1600/bloodymary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - bloody mary" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qiSo_ICCMxE/WPzOpo3xMuI/AAAAAAAADDQ/ZHRZsczhy4oFsRnFQ97gDLU_kAm8sf8QgCEw/s1600/bloodymary.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - bloody mary" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Vodka, Tomato Juice, Lime Juice, Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, Pepper and Tabasco.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My favourite non Rum cocktail. This is a proper grown up drink but it is an acquired taste Mrs Cool said she can only have a few sips of this but I love them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Margarita</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0do3SlNBSY/WPzSOxpZ_PI/AAAAAAAADDY/PzvYfxNDTMoaEsjcPRm8a65qZx6xaSSsACLcB/s1600/margarita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - margarita" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0do3SlNBSY/WPzSOxpZ_PI/AAAAAAAADDY/PzvYfxNDTMoaEsjcPRm8a65qZx6xaSSsACLcB/s1600/margarita.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - margarita" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Tequila, Triple Sec, Lime Juice and Salt.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had a few of these and it made me realise that depending on which bar you go to will determine how good it will be. I found the best ones at the Piano Bar they had the right amount of sourness and a good helping of salt around the rim.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Sex on the Beach</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sz-fm6DGwAc/WPzV_e6zdcI/AAAAAAAADDk/ATBw_MK8FrArg3RyOYHVOXj81lgj3ZFtgCLcB/s1600/17917833_10155367352343933_5310898341573828398_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - sex on the beach" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sz-fm6DGwAc/WPzV_e6zdcI/AAAAAAAADDk/ATBw_MK8FrArg3RyOYHVOXj81lgj3ZFtgCLcB/s1600/17917833_10155367352343933_5310898341573828398_o.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - sex on the beach" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Orange Juice and Grenadine.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mrs Cool said she sickened herself with too much Peach Schnapps in her youth so wasn't looking forward to this one. I'm not a big fan of Peach schnapps either, however, this was a good Sex on the Beach but not a drink we had many of.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Caipiriña</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B841UuWij4c/WPzXqoLBYqI/AAAAAAAADDw/5ccmzrS7fB4BHLR6_x6VZX8khiLYBo8PACLcB/s1600/18057036_10155367348638933_4421040792449048301_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - caipirina" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B841UuWij4c/WPzXqoLBYqI/AAAAAAAADDw/5ccmzrS7fB4BHLR6_x6VZX8khiLYBo8PACLcB/s1600/18057036_10155367348638933_4421040792449048301_n.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - caipirina" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Cane firewater (Aguardiente de Caña), Lime Juice, Fruit Lime and Sugar.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I still struggle to pronounce this one so I sent Mrs Cool to the bar to order it. A refreshing cocktail nice on a hot day (of which there are a lot in Cuba).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Black Russian</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gl2vQsbYDw0/WPzf4H6G1QI/AAAAAAAADEM/zVom3o4lt7wfW79iJ3Fwr3Yms1fGRWvtQCLcB/s1600/black%2Brussian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - black russian" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gl2vQsbYDw0/WPzf4H6G1QI/AAAAAAAADEM/zVom3o4lt7wfW79iJ3Fwr3Yms1fGRWvtQCLcB/s1600/black%2Brussian.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - black russian" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Vodka and Coffee Liqueur.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For years I thought a Black Russian was just a Vodka and Coke, I don't know why. &nbsp;This could be a harsh drink as it's mostly Vodka but the Coffee Liqueur takes the edge off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Piña Colada</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dYQlYs9pg0g/WPzjQNhzgKI/AAAAAAAADEY/LQz_Ms4E-UkZHWAiWsxg0MhW6RYZQxTkQCLcB/s1600/pinacolada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - pina colada" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dYQlYs9pg0g/WPzjQNhzgKI/AAAAAAAADEY/LQz_Ms4E-UkZHWAiWsxg0MhW6RYZQxTkQCLcB/s1600/pinacolada.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - pina colada" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Pineapple Juice, Coconut, Milk</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The only virgin cocktail we tried was the Pina Colada which was made in a slush machine. However when we found out you can order them 'Con Ron' (with rum) they became Mrs Cool's Favourite cocktail. The best ones were from the pool bar, great for cooling down in the hot sun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Daiquiri</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V4SVDdSQ858/WP0FdSOMbgI/AAAAAAAADEo/4pkJmFy3GTQ3QXQUiD2t2NETlhTosHcHgCLcB/s1600/18118796_10155367356038933_5195709475861559409_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - Daiquiri" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V4SVDdSQ858/WP0FdSOMbgI/AAAAAAAADEo/4pkJmFy3GTQ3QXQUiD2t2NETlhTosHcHgCLcB/s1600/18118796_10155367356038933_5195709475861559409_n.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - Daiquiri" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>White Rum, Lime Juice, Sugar and Maraschino.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Named after the beach in Cuba this is a classic Cuban cocktail. This is another good cocktail to cool down with, this one is served over crushed ice with a hint of cherry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Mojito</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SknzX1MXyjw/WP0Ilip5FhI/AAAAAAAADE0/hJ6JeafRLq4V7L2YGopOEOimnxYZF0eegCLcB/s1600/mojito.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - mojito" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SknzX1MXyjw/WP0Ilip5FhI/AAAAAAAADE0/hJ6JeafRLq4V7L2YGopOEOimnxYZF0eegCLcB/s1600/mojito.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - mojito" /></a><i></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><i><br /></i></i></div><i>White Rum, Mint, Lime Juice, Sugar, Soda and Bitters.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The ultimate Cuban cocktail and my absolute favourite, I make them at home often. They can be a bit too sweet once you've had a few. Like with the Margarita's they varied depending on which bar you went to, the best ones were from the Lobby Bar.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Blau Varadero</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2GJG5hdZmXw/WP0Mm1MenMI/AAAAAAAADFA/l5KwSIW4ucMjIO8_qj8GrOG4usOgj80XQCLcB/s1600/blauvaradero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - blau varadero" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2GJG5hdZmXw/WP0Mm1MenMI/AAAAAAAADFA/l5KwSIW4ucMjIO8_qj8GrOG4usOgj80XQCLcB/s1600/blauvaradero.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - blau varadero" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>White Rum, Coconut, Banana Liqueur, Blue Curaçao and Milk.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Named after the hotel, this cocktail was an unusual one for me. I don't really like milky cocktails, the flavours were not particularly strong and when you mixed it together it went a pale blue.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Canchánchara</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4-WDNLEfyk/WP0OPKeOisI/AAAAAAAADFM/sX-l4pLfQ4gKF992n3PLzraGskP574t1QCLcB/s1600/canchanchara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - canchanchara" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4-WDNLEfyk/WP0OPKeOisI/AAAAAAAADFM/sX-l4pLfQ4gKF992n3PLzraGskP574t1QCLcB/s1600/canchanchara.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - canchanchara" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Cane Firewater (Aguardiente), Lime Juice and Honey.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another one I'd never heard of and this one I really liked. I don't think i've had a cocktail with honey in before but it was really good. Great as a post dinner Digestif.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Havana Special</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hVlbZSASA60/WP0PdFIqrsI/AAAAAAAADFY/RKjFAAWwhVoVP_kveryiMzuDm20BpDJ8wCLcB/s1600/18057887_10155367362273933_5870854367991825464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - havana special" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hVlbZSASA60/WP0PdFIqrsI/AAAAAAAADFY/RKjFAAWwhVoVP_kveryiMzuDm20BpDJ8wCLcB/s1600/18057887_10155367362273933_5870854367991825464_n.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - havana special" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>White Rum, Pineapple Juice and Maraschino.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one was Mrs Cool's favourite I think she had one every night. She said the combination of pineapple and cherry was delicious and reminded her of a slice of cake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mvl71wiTTqQ/WP0RDpMlR3I/AAAAAAAADFk/yfgGrNzzUIIxpNlCP3R0qHoeyP8_tBcRQCLcB/s1600/menu4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - bar menu" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mvl71wiTTqQ/WP0RDpMlR3I/AAAAAAAADFk/yfgGrNzzUIIxpNlCP3R0qHoeyP8_tBcRQCLcB/s1600/menu4.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - bar menu" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That was all the cocktails but Blau Varadero also have wine, beer, spirits and other drinks available. The Cuba Libré from the Beach Bar are particularly good. Mrs Cool like the wine as usually in all inclusive's the wine is poor but she said it was very drinkable. I also need to give a special mention to the Whisky list as the measures they give are certainly not shy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l-khxRe09ic/WP0TSRp9-vI/AAAAAAAADFw/_gnONu9PM7cTtOfJ68iq_NaRvlu01eejQCLcB/s1600/18056650_10155367356938933_4377010781231038436_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - whiskey" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l-khxRe09ic/WP0TSRp9-vI/AAAAAAAADFw/_gnONu9PM7cTtOfJ68iq_NaRvlu01eejQCLcB/s1600/18056650_10155367356938933_4377010781231038436_n.jpg" title="The all inclusive Cocktail menu at Blau Varadero, Cuba - whiskey" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, that's all for now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">S</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/bigsteviecool" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Twitter here.</a></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com4Blau Varadero Hotel, Cuba23.1897584 -81.1725966000000223.0729729 -81.333958100000018 23.306543899999998 -81.011235100000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-13571347338902610002017-04-20T06:30:00.000+01:002017-04-20T06:30:14.466+01:00Iron Fist: A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrAXJNtLfX0/WOeIwcq_LsI/AAAAAAAADBU/vX0L7Rown2cblwVGFk9dylMYDL3_9cp-ACLcB/s1600/Ironfist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrAXJNtLfX0/WOeIwcq_LsI/AAAAAAAADBU/vX0L7Rown2cblwVGFk9dylMYDL3_9cp-ACLcB/s1600/Ironfist.jpg" /></a></div><br />Marvel's partnership with Netflix has been on a roll. The highlight of these productions has been Daredevil with Jessica Jones and Luke Cage also being big hits with fans and critics alike. The next entry in this universe is Iron Fist.<br /><br />Starring Finn Jones as Danny Rand/Iron Fist with a supporting cast of Jessica Henwick as Colleen Wing, Jessica Stroup as Joy Meechum, Tom Pelphrey as Ward Meechum and David Wenham as Harold Meechum. It also sees the return of Marvel/Netflix recurring characters Claire Temple played by Rosario Dawson and Madam Gao played by Wai Ching Ho.<br /><br />Danny Rand is the heir to Rand Enterprises a multi-billion dollar company who is involved in a plane crash when a child. His parents die and the is presumed dead. Years later he returns claiming to have been rescued by monks and taken to the mysterious K'un-Lun where he has been trained in Kung Fu and chosen to be the Iron Fist, protector of the entry to K'un-Lun and sworn enemy of The Hand (a villainous organisation already shown in the other Marvel/Netflix shows).<br /><br />Ward and Joy Meechum are Danny's childhood friends who are now running Rand Enterprises at first they don't believe that this homeless hipster who claims to be Danny is who he says he is and initially reject him and have him committed. Harold Meechum is the pairs father who faked his death years ago after making a deal with The Hand to cure his illness in return for The Hand having access to Rand Enterprises. Harold is the one who believes Danny and makes Ward and Joy give Danny his shares in the company and welcome him back.<br /><br />Danny spends most of the series not in control of his powers and struggling to summon The Iron Fist. Harold is only using Danny as a way of ridding himself of The Hand so he can return to public life. Ward initially seems like a generic hard nosed businessman but then with revelations of his drug use and that he wants to get away from his father and the company his story becomes more interesting. Colleen Wing is a Kung Fu instructor who befriends Danny and helps him from Time to time but their relationship becomes more complex after they sleep together and Danny discovers a secret Colleen has been keeping from him.<br /><br />The show doesn't hit the heights of the other Marvel/Netflix shows. The writing is a bit repetitive, I think the line "I am The Iron Fist, Sworn enemy of The Hand" is said in just about every episode and the fight scene aren't as dramatic as in Daredevil as there are far too many cuts which makes the scenes disoriented.<br /><br />That being said I still found it enjoyable, I liked Danny Rand and Iron Fist seems like quite a cool hero (especially if he gets his costume in the next series) and once he masters his powers he will be formidable addition to the MCU. The show has also provided the last piece of the eagerly awaited team of The Defenders which will be debuting later this year and I'm looking forward to seeing how Iron Fist interacts with Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www%2Ctwitter.com/bigsteviecool" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool in Twitter here.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0QKy4ytJ94/WOfkDROz1ZI/AAAAAAAADBk/brFZsDKP9SAqtCcWB4dNlx6sMmzi1Qa9ACLcB/s1600/p13361406_b_v8_ab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0QKy4ytJ94/WOfkDROz1ZI/AAAAAAAADBk/brFZsDKP9SAqtCcWB4dNlx6sMmzi1Qa9ACLcB/s1600/p13361406_b_v8_ab.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-88229612327825412102017-04-13T06:30:00.000+01:002017-04-13T06:30:26.871+01:00Kong: Skull Island. A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vP33LQ88Ak/WOY7WGK3fKI/AAAAAAAADA4/X9wglZnzTs8knUJwXf3CI90XZstH5xG1wCLcB/s1600/GONCUks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vP33LQ88Ak/WOY7WGK3fKI/AAAAAAAADA4/X9wglZnzTs8knUJwXf3CI90XZstH5xG1wCLcB/s1600/GONCUks.jpg" /></a></div><br />Ever since I was a kid King Kong has held a special place in my heart. I think it is because the original 1933 film is one of my Mam's favourite films and I've seen it like a million times, Kong has always been my favourite movie monster. I've passed this love of the giant gorilla onto my sons Harry and Jack who love the 2005 remake and when it was announced there would be a new reboot we were all really excited. When it was finally released we decided to take my Mam and Dad with us as part of my Mam's birthday celebrations.<br /><br />First off the makers of this film are not shy about showing you that the star of this film is a Giant Ape. Within the first minute of the film King makes his impressive appearance as an American and a Japanese pilot fight it out on the beach of Skull Island after they crash land. The titles role through news pictures and videos until we arrive in 1973 at the end of the Vietnam War. We're then introduced to the other characters, John Goodman plays Randa and Corey Hawkins plays Brooks a pair of scientists who work for an organisation called Monarch (for anyone who doesn't know this is the same organisation trying to track down and stop Godzilla in the 2014 film). They are trying to get funding for an expedition to Skull Island as they think there will be some undiscovered creatures on the island<br /><br />Randa hires Conrad (Tom Hiddleston) as their tracker, not that Kong will need much tracking. Next we see a Helicopter Squadron lead by Packard (Samuel L. Jackson) who are just about to be sent home after the Vietnam War when Packard accepts the mission to take the expedition. Then there is photo journalist Mason Weaver (Brie Larson) and a group of other scientist who are also travelling to Skull Island. <br /><br />Obviously when they arrive at Skull Island everything goes wrong immediately. As Kong attacks the Helicopters a lot of the group are killed and the survivors are scattered across the island. Soon after this happens we meet Hank Marlow, played by the always brilliant John C Reilly, &nbsp;the American pilot who has been on Skull Island for the last 29 years. Marlow is my favourite character as a man out of time and little bit unhinged. Marlow takes the group to the native Islanders village and fills them in on how things are on Skull Island.<br /><br />The group need to get to the other side of the island to get rescued but Packard wants to get to his remaining men, even though he isn't sure their even alive, and wants revenge for the men killed by Kong.<br /><br />As with other Kong movies there are other monsters on Skull Island. No dinosaurs this time but giant spiders and buffalo type creatures. The main monsters Kong has to battle the Skull Crawlers, as Marlow calls them. Giant lizard like creature that live underground and come above ground for a fight with Kong every now and then.<br /><br />The whole film plays more like a Vietnam war movie than it does a monster movie. It is utter nonsense, but enjoyable nonsense. The cast is incredible with Tom Hiddleston as the action hero (Mrs Cool said that she can now see him as James Bond in the future) and John C Reilly as the comic relief being the highlights. The visual effects are great and all of the monsters look amazing.<br /><br />There has been a trend recently of incredible soundtracks on movies and with songs from Jefferson Airplane, David Bowie and Creedence Clearwater Revival this is another fantastic soundtrack.<br /><br />Mrs Cool has never seen any of the other King Kong movies and only came as the rest of the family were going, she thought she was not going to like it at all but actually loved this. Harry said this is now his favourite Kong film and my Mam also loved it. While this isn't as good as the iconic 1933 original it easily surpasses all of the other Kong movies.<br /><br />This being next entry in the movie universe first set up in Godzilla (2014) there will be sequels and crossovers for years to come. Lovers of movie monsters rejoice as there will soon be the long awaited showdown of Godzilla Vs. King Kong and I for one cannot wait.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/bigsteviecoolblog" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Facebook here.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4_RM119XtI/WOeGKonmjkI/AAAAAAAADBI/w0SCXJr5MRISLEvXSjEAlQ9fMh9YetTQQCLcB/s1600/new-kong--skull-island-poster-16291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4_RM119XtI/WOeGKonmjkI/AAAAAAAADBI/w0SCXJr5MRISLEvXSjEAlQ9fMh9YetTQQCLcB/s1600/new-kong--skull-island-poster-16291.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-70825644936754730012017-04-10T06:30:00.000+01:002017-04-10T06:30:00.837+01:00Sunday Lunch at the Wylam Brewery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JLhktqhLNKc/WOYo0SMcB6I/AAAAAAAAC_o/VVC2bU5lFoInSBli1y518GJY3NBw-ZoJwCLcB/s1600/17634791_10155287709863933_8660863740092454428_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JLhktqhLNKc/WOYo0SMcB6I/AAAAAAAAC_o/VVC2bU5lFoInSBli1y518GJY3NBw-ZoJwCLcB/s1600/17634791_10155287709863933_8660863740092454428_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />Resembling a postmodern courthouse, Wylam Brewery, in Exhibition Park in Newcastle is an impressive building but not as impressive as the food and drink available there. &nbsp;The Sunday Lunch they serve is up there with the best I've had, you can view their menu <a href="http://www.wylambrewery.co.uk/the-tap/" target="_blank">here</a>. The decor inside was industrial which I quite like but as it was full of fellow diners enjoying their meals it did make it quite a noisy room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eP_-5gJ_KQY/WOYuGgH63SI/AAAAAAAAC_4/uaCDrOydxFYC1utr62UUa0YMpAuuObGtACLcB/s1600/17499329_10155287708873933_7308591115779385205_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eP_-5gJ_KQY/WOYuGgH63SI/AAAAAAAAC_4/uaCDrOydxFYC1utr62UUa0YMpAuuObGtACLcB/s1600/17499329_10155287708873933_7308591115779385205_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />I have been a fan of Wylam Brewery beers for years and when I spotted the Puffing Billy Smoked Black Bitter I knew I had to try it. I have tried a smoked a once before and it was a revelation and this pint was amazing. It's darker than a black hole and this will sound weird but it's like drinking a platter of cured meat. If you're a meat and beer lover you have to try it.<br /><br />On to the food, We started with a plate of cured meat (which went perfectly with my pint), olive oil and sourdough. My only criticism is that this plate was on the small side. It was £7 and we only got a few slices of meat, a couple of slices of cheese and 2 slices of sourdough. It was all delicious but could've done with a few extra slices of meat (but maybe I'm just being greedy). The roast dinners come with roast parsnips, root mash, roast potatoes, buttered greens and Yorkshire pudding. Mrs Cool went for the Roast Beef which she said was deliciously tender with flavoursome gravy and plentiful.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TAQV_G_QgKk/WOY0HMktVmI/AAAAAAAADAI/ceVpgwf3xwgQ8ckWxmbMw6s8j3Iz-LS5QCLcB/s1600/DSC_0468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TAQV_G_QgKk/WOY0HMktVmI/AAAAAAAADAI/ceVpgwf3xwgQ8ckWxmbMw6s8j3Iz-LS5QCLcB/s1600/DSC_0468.jpg" /></a></div><br />Kids can have a small plate of any of the main meals. Heidi went for the Roast Beef and Harry and Jack went for the Lamb (they love lamb).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3ndlt87BPw/WOY0NzqXYPI/AAAAAAAADAM/LV6cBeO2avYnZqNmLdtA44oQOAZuNA1LQCLcB/s1600/17630105_10155287712713933_6099373299309082253_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3ndlt87BPw/WOY0NzqXYPI/AAAAAAAADAM/LV6cBeO2avYnZqNmLdtA44oQOAZuNA1LQCLcB/s1600/17630105_10155287712713933_6099373299309082253_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />Now for my meal, I've said many times that I'm a meat lover and Pork Sunday Lunch is my absolute favourite. This pork was amazing, melt in the mouth tender and the crackling was out of this world. So crunchy that it almost broke my teeth and perfectly salty.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_9A-91h86g/WOY1-Gas1KI/AAAAAAAADAg/D7uIU0Jir5w9WWQkeLtxCYvAn8auqxligCEw/s1600/17629680_10155287711968933_3354889919254825169_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_9A-91h86g/WOY1-Gas1KI/AAAAAAAADAg/D7uIU0Jir5w9WWQkeLtxCYvAn8auqxligCEw/s1600/17629680_10155287711968933_3354889919254825169_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHTch0gS4ew/WOY12MxXusI/AAAAAAAADAc/QYOd-iM2kL4S4wYrjFRYP8xPT3HtY8FVwCEw/s1600/17498965_10155287710903933_7299712448589416695_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHTch0gS4ew/WOY12MxXusI/AAAAAAAADAc/QYOd-iM2kL4S4wYrjFRYP8xPT3HtY8FVwCEw/s1600/17498965_10155287710903933_7299712448589416695_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Everything on my plate was perfectly cooked and delicious. I think it will take a long time for me to have a Sunday Roast that tops this one. I'll be thinking about that crackling for months.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.instagram.com/bigsteviecool" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Instagram here.</a></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-3236375738171162242017-04-03T22:33:00.000+01:002017-04-03T22:33:36.614+01:00The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 16 "The first day of the rest of your life"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LYkV4TWj9ic/WOK7208VNAI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/AnPSki5myMYqN1PcyD3Q6jOdpUW1HQFXACLcB/s1600/427867944_1280x720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LYkV4TWj9ic/WOK7208VNAI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/AnPSki5myMYqN1PcyD3Q6jOdpUW1HQFXACLcB/s1600/427867944_1280x720.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />What a shit season!<br /><br />I've been critical of this season throughout and the finale lived up to the disappointment. Although I wasn't expecting the double cross the final battle seemed obvious with Rick on his knees again and Negan threatening to kill Carl but as no one of any great importance died it just seemed a bit flat.<br /><br />So it looks like we'll have to wait for season 8 for the real war between The Saviours and the Alliance. I will give it one more chance as I've invested a lot of time in this series over the last 7 years but if season 8 doesn't blow me away it may be the end for me and The Walking Dead.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/bigsteviecool" target="_blank">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Twitter here.</a></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-51906306738738202602017-03-28T17:19:00.002+01:002017-03-28T17:19:51.107+01:00The Alchemist Newcastle | Breakfast Menu ReviewWe try and visit Newcastle every week on my day off work and stock up on essentials from the Grainger Market. Normally, we'll stop off somewhere for breakfast, brunch or lunch (<a href="http://www.bigsteviecool.co.uk/2017/02/tapas-revolution-newcastle-review.html" target="_blank">check out my last trip to Tapas Revolution here</a>) and Mrs Cool had been dying to take me to The Alchemist in the Grey's Quarter of intu Eldon Square ever since <a href="http://www.northeastfamilyfun.co.uk/2016/02/the-alchemist-opening-newcastle.html" target="_blank">she visited for cocktails last week</a>&nbsp;so we booked a table on my next day off work.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P-GVf-biuAw/WNqI7-cySCI/AAAAAAAAC_I/Lsu9XUrDSiMN7W1oMA0yHg7hoU9l-5O6ACLcB/s1600/Alchemist%2Bbreakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Alchemist Newcastle | Breakfast Menu Review" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P-GVf-biuAw/WNqI7-cySCI/AAAAAAAAC_I/Lsu9XUrDSiMN7W1oMA0yHg7hoU9l-5O6ACLcB/s1600/Alchemist%2Bbreakfast.jpg" title="The Alchemist Newcastle | Breakfast Menu Review" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The Alchemist opens for breakfast from 8am on weekdays and 10am on weekends. We had booked ahead for our 10am table online but really this wasn't necessary as we were the only ones there. The <a href="http://thealchemist.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Alchemist_NRTH_Food_Sept2016_WEB-2.pdf" target="_blank">Alchemist's breakfast menu</a>&nbsp;is very heavy on the egg (much to Mrs Cool's disappointment - she's not an egg fan - weird!) with 90% of dishes being served with egg. The staff are a friendly bunch though and I'm pretty sure they'd omit the egg from any dish if asked.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4iv23h7ND60/WNp8r08AqeI/AAAAAAAAC-o/VtYTzaMt19ksoIjBSdtuYVgwDSo5KgjMgCEw/s1600/17523355_10155271262338933_3551718635686448417_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Alchemist Newcastle | Breakfast Menu Review | Complimentary water" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4iv23h7ND60/WNp8r08AqeI/AAAAAAAAC-o/VtYTzaMt19ksoIjBSdtuYVgwDSo5KgjMgCEw/s1600/17523355_10155271262338933_3551718635686448417_n.jpg" title="The Alchemist Newcastle | Breakfast Menu Review | Complimentary water" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I really liked the surroundings and we had the pick of tables - ranging from cozy booths to long tables with bar stools. We decided on a booth and helped ourselves to the complimentary water that was waiting for us on our table (nice touch). The staff offered to switch it to sparkling if preferred. I half expected an extra charge for water to be added to our bill at the end but I'm pleased to say there wasn't.<br /><br /><h4 style="text-align: center;">The Alchemist Newcastle | Coffee and Tea Selection</h4><div>Despite what you may think, The Alchemist isn't all about the cocktails. They serve a decent range of teas and coffees too.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3WFRl9s8kQ/WNp8sLniXfI/AAAAAAAAC-8/fLORiYN_qOE1q2EzsTRQqf59UJfH317qQCEw/s1600/17554047_10155271262573933_877414242718337094_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Alchemist Newcastle | Breakfast Menu Review | Coffee menu" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3WFRl9s8kQ/WNp8sLniXfI/AAAAAAAAC-8/fLORiYN_qOE1q2EzsTRQqf59UJfH317qQCEw/s1600/17554047_10155271262573933_877414242718337094_n.jpg" title="The Alchemist Newcastle | Breakfast Menu Review | Coffee menu" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mrs Cool opted for a single Americano which was nice but it tasted a little weak to me - I'd recommend heading straight in for the double. I think the kids would like to try the hot chocolates here.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kzeWTzcQJ-o/WNp8r_ow-4I/AAAAAAAAC-8/5ifOB10CvewsgrCoeudxggcN_Jmk2sLZgCEw/s1600/17553944_10155271262458933_6810966115485760274_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Alchemist Newcastle | Breakfast Menu Review | Tea menu" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kzeWTzcQJ-o/WNp8r_ow-4I/AAAAAAAAC-8/5ifOB10CvewsgrCoeudxggcN_Jmk2sLZgCEw/s1600/17553944_10155271262458933_6810966115485760274_n.jpg" title="The Alchemist Newcastle | Breakfast Menu Review | Tea menu" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I went for a classic English breakfast tea which can be served plain or 'Alchemist style' at no additional cost. Obviously I went for Alchemist style and I loved the dry ice, china tea cups and the flask of milk. It was proper loose leaf too and definitely worth the £2.50 price tag.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi6aGKidoeA/WNp8r9HSSaI/AAAAAAAAC-8/42RRakmGXSgGHNUsGXZMxuzIIcHfG5JAwCEw/s1600/17523423_10155271263108933_2548238411717868829_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Alchemist Newcastle | Breakfast Menu Review | English breakfast loose leaf tea with dry ice" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi6aGKidoeA/WNp8r9HSSaI/AAAAAAAAC-8/42RRakmGXSgGHNUsGXZMxuzIIcHfG5JAwCEw/s1600/17523423_10155271263108933_2548238411717868829_n.jpg" title="The Alchemist Newcastle | Breakfast Menu Review | English breakfast loose leaf tea with dry ice" /></a></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">The Alchemist Newcastle | Breakfast Menu</h4><div>Our server recommended the Eggs Benedict to me so that's what I went for. Presented on a black slate with an individual pinch of sea salt and extra hollandaise on the side, it was delicious and well thought out. The eggs were perfectly cooked and had that all important ooze.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7gP0Xw4Pwlc/WNp8sBklpFI/AAAAAAAAC-8/a4ZkSnWOztIMmDf9ZtCsNSWJM3o4QTJPACEw/s1600/17626110_10155271262803933_1337015688309889497_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Alchemist Newcastle | Breakfast Menu Review | Eggs Benedict" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7gP0Xw4Pwlc/WNp8sBklpFI/AAAAAAAAC-8/a4ZkSnWOztIMmDf9ZtCsNSWJM3o4QTJPACEw/s1600/17626110_10155271262803933_1337015688309889497_n.jpg" title="The Alchemist Newcastle | Breakfast Menu Review | Eggs Benedict" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mrs Cool went for a classic bacon butty served with brown sauce on the side. Sam said it was her kind of bacon sandwich - packed with 6 rashers of crispy bacon and soft white bread. It was a bargain at just £4.50.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzNUY4w1e5o/WNp8sX4lmtI/AAAAAAAAC-8/c5agjZ25xBAf00NqR6Z_ba4HIelASsqvgCEw/s1600/17626453_10155271263018933_2873020548211611853_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Alchemist Newcastle | Breakfast Menu Review | Bacon Sandwich" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzNUY4w1e5o/WNp8sX4lmtI/AAAAAAAAC-8/c5agjZ25xBAf00NqR6Z_ba4HIelASsqvgCEw/s1600/17626453_10155271263018933_2873020548211611853_n.jpg" title="The Alchemist Newcastle | Breakfast Menu Review | Bacon Sandwich" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The service throughout was super friendly and we were made to feel very welcome. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff at all and we were served pretty quickly. We did contemplate extending our breakfast and ordering a non-alcoholic cocktail but time was getting on and Mrs Cool had a long list of 'essential' holiday items to shop for so I'll save the cocktails for another time.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Some people have had a few choice words to say about the new restaurants in the Grey's Quarter but all of our encounters have been spot on so far and The Alchemist is a fantastic addition to Newcastle. Our breakfast bill was £16.55 for two which I think considering the quality, service and atmosphere was well worth the £.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For more food reviews around the North East, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bigsteviecool/" target="_blank">follow Big Stevie Cool on Instagram here.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, that's all for now.</div><div><br /></div><div>S<br /><br /></div></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com6The Alchemist. 5 Grey&#39;s Quarter, Eldon Square, Newcastle NE1 7AP, United Kingdom54.973682800000013 -1.61420429999998336.065137800000016 -42.922798299999982 73.88222780000001 39.694389700000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-79917867940569892052017-03-27T22:20:00.002+01:002017-03-27T22:20:53.680+01:00The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 15 "Something They Need"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvD6dh6X2YM/WNl9w-4qxrI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/QK45W3BPFLcuraneodDoBwSvBkvSov-jgCLcB/s1600/427867944_1280x720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvD6dh6X2YM/WNl9w-4qxrI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/QK45W3BPFLcuraneodDoBwSvBkvSov-jgCLcB/s1600/427867944_1280x720.jpg" /></a></div><br />Ah Man! Why did Dwight have to grow a pair right at the end, I was looking forward to the shifty prick getting shivved by Daryl or someone else but that doesn't look like it's going to happen and it seems like he'll be instrumental in the war against the Saviours.<br /><br />A lot was happening in this episode, Gregory is getting seriously worried about his position which is funny as he is the worst leader of all of the groups, he has no usable skills at all and the people of Hilltop are now realising this.<br /><br />The Alexandria group totally screwed over the Ocean side group but taking all of their guns and leaving them defenceless but they I guess they were given a choice and the Alexandria group gotta do what they gotta do.<br /><br />Negan... ah Negan, still the best thing about this season. He knows something is coming and with the finale next week I can't wait to see this. But the disappointment I've felt throughout this season I have a bad feeling the finale may be a let down.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/bigsteviecool">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Twitter here.</a></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-64641681933785751552017-03-20T22:34:00.001+00:002017-03-20T22:34:32.463+00:00The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 14 "The Other Side"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpHCj3MOM6A/WNBSfBvSj8I/AAAAAAAAC-A/QZF4VaKwqxEnI2sHp4bgaJ2IamY7EA4MwCLcB/s1600/427867944_1280x720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpHCj3MOM6A/WNBSfBvSj8I/AAAAAAAAC-A/QZF4VaKwqxEnI2sHp4bgaJ2IamY7EA4MwCLcB/s1600/427867944_1280x720.jpg" /></a></div><br />Things are tense and things are emotional. whilst not one of the best episodes this was a solid entry in this series progressing the story while not just being filler. Gregory is fearful for his position and trying to maintain control. It's been coming for a while but he will lose his grip soon and no doubt scuttle off the warn The Saviours. Maggie or Jesus (most likely Maggie) will take his place as leader of Hilltop. Simon, as ever, was brilliant and the highlight of the episode.<br /><br />Maggie telling Daryl Glen's death wasn't his fault I think was massive for Daryl. He has been wracked with guilt for the entire series and now he has that closure he can now step up and become an integral part of the fight against The Saviours. The scenes with Sasha and Rosita were good too even if their plan was stupid but Sasha going it alone to save Rosita is even more stupid.<br /><br />With only to episodes left of the season, will there be any more twists before the final battle?<br /><br />Well, that's all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/bigsteviecool">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Twitter here.</a></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-32987864447713789692017-03-20T06:30:00.000+00:002017-03-20T06:30:08.133+00:00Sunday Lunch | The Northumberland Arms, FeltonWe love going out for Sunday Lunch. Not having the hassle of making the dinner or tidying up after you're done is heaven. One of our favourite places is The Northumberland Arms in Felton. Felton is a little village on the River Coquet not far from Alnwick. Their Sunday Lunch menu is always good but they've added something new.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_InQusN7Ao/WM7TCYbg2OI/AAAAAAAAC88/A-VEjNVSyrEVeoA_DDEfKoqaI64mvlHCgCLcB/s1600/17361578_10155241577208933_288098804037611317_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_InQusN7Ao/WM7TCYbg2OI/AAAAAAAAC88/A-VEjNVSyrEVeoA_DDEfKoqaI64mvlHCgCLcB/s1600/17361578_10155241577208933_288098804037611317_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />The 40 day aged, Himalayan Salted Sirloin is unique to Northumberland. The dish is served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and a selection of vegetables. All are perfectly cooked and delicious but the meat, Oh My God! The Meat!.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i0OIyvsasJc/WM7VX54IReI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/6bhsZbZmJtoV0iWob3t81aYGVjnF4KphgCLcB/s1600/17309611_10155241578568933_6988320113335254965_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i0OIyvsasJc/WM7VX54IReI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/6bhsZbZmJtoV0iWob3t81aYGVjnF4KphgCLcB/s1600/17309611_10155241578568933_6988320113335254965_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The meat is served pink and is melt in the mouth soft. It has a fair amount of fat which brings extra meaty flavour. This might sound weird but this was the meatiest meat I've ever tasted. It is a bit on the expensive side (£18.95) but this is a proper treat and not a meal you will have very often.<br /><br />After the main course there was enough room left for a dessert so me and Mrs. Cool shared the Trio of Desserts. This was a chocolate brownie, a pear frangipane tart and blueberry cheesecake. The brownie and tart were nice enough but the cheesecake was incredible, very moreish and there was a fork fight between me and Mrs. Cool over this.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vgE8CmxnZi4/WM7Xf7Mzz2I/AAAAAAAAC9c/VkmxjJI2N2UTyIFgvNwwBRNM5qcDjM62ACLcB/s1600/17352395_10155241577173933_4247958715880401433_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vgE8CmxnZi4/WM7Xf7Mzz2I/AAAAAAAAC9c/VkmxjJI2N2UTyIFgvNwwBRNM5qcDjM62ACLcB/s1600/17352395_10155241577173933_4247958715880401433_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />After everyone was finished we decided to feed the ducks on the river. Another reason why we love Felton is the Running Fox bakery where, as well as selling amazing freshly baked bread, you can get some free bread for feeding the ducks. After picking up a loaf for ourselves we also got a little bag of bread for the ducks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGzXFwz27Is/WM7Y_iDp4FI/AAAAAAAAC9o/NVOjK8MQLogiJHSlUutIKZ1_EvJAM0d-ACLcB/s1600/17353289_10155241578088933_554189057394293350_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGzXFwz27Is/WM7Y_iDp4FI/AAAAAAAAC9o/NVOjK8MQLogiJHSlUutIKZ1_EvJAM0d-ACLcB/s1600/17353289_10155241578088933_554189057394293350_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />After dividing the bread up equally between the kids (there would be kick off if any child had slightly more than the others) they all had great fun tossing the the bread to the ducks. Heidi was even brave enough to let one of the ducks eat out of her hand.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lWl6c6fkpNU/WM7ZnbQJ6nI/AAAAAAAAC9w/5G4eHDuBzbka0nMZwruk0GLQvGwIWvVlQCLcB/s1600/17362525_10155241579043933_415732459275878054_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lWl6c6fkpNU/WM7ZnbQJ6nI/AAAAAAAAC9w/5G4eHDuBzbka0nMZwruk0GLQvGwIWvVlQCLcB/s1600/17362525_10155241579043933_415732459275878054_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once we were out of bread we headed home, it won't be long until we return to Felton.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.instagram.com/bigsteviecool">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Instagram here.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Disclosure | We received a complimentary meal in return for Mrs Cool featuring a review on North East Family Fun (review coming soon). I was not asked to write this, but the steak was something special and I thought you'd like to hear about it.&nbsp;</i></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1631944725080271285.post-69129814917353600292017-03-16T06:30:00.000+00:002017-03-16T06:30:52.709+00:00Project Bond: Diamonds are Forever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Good Evening, Mr. Bond."</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TrfBQ9_RMqg/WMgTx_a7s9I/AAAAAAAAC7w/t5PWR1YxcjUIvzEeBNY0eKdIk0-VFfoBwCLcB/s1600/Scan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TrfBQ9_RMqg/WMgTx_a7s9I/AAAAAAAAC7w/t5PWR1YxcjUIvzEeBNY0eKdIk0-VFfoBwCLcB/s1600/Scan.jpg" /></a></div><br />As the Eon productions' James Bond Series entered the 1970's it was in disarray. The company had been taken to court over rights to intellectual property, the new star had proved to be difficult to work with and the last film had been a flop. They had to do something to get back on track and what they did was produce, in my opinion, one of the best film in the whole series, Diamonds Are Forever.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Sean Connery is back one last time to save the day (as well as the entire franchise). The film starts with Bond searching for Blofeld (this time played by Charles Gray) so he can get vengeance for the death of his wife in the last film. Bond searches all over the world and immediately you know it's classic Bond as there is innuendo right from the start and Connery brings back his trademark brutality. Bond finally tracks down his nemesis and kills him so he can now get on with his life and return to MI6. Shirley Bassey is also back once again to provide one of the most iconic themes in movie history.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iIVz3Bq1uOE/WMlCnJR5AvI/AAAAAAAAC8E/AB3wfGyQcog9N6C4elNDbOe22QXh427cwCEw/s1600/DSC_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iIVz3Bq1uOE/WMlCnJR5AvI/AAAAAAAAC8E/AB3wfGyQcog9N6C4elNDbOe22QXh427cwCEw/s1600/DSC_0216.jpg" /></a></div><br />When Bond is back at MI6 he is put on the case of some missing diamonds and heads to Amsterdam posing as a smuggler and meets Tiffany Case the 1st of a few Bond girls in this movie. The missing diamonds are also being pursued by assassins Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd who are killing anyone who has had any contact with the diamonds. These are not your average Bond villains as for starters they appear to be openly gay.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pc9iUq7osEY/WMlMT6D5o3I/AAAAAAAAC8o/zjA_Vjub4bsqDmcu_mZ3MPUMLEvPPvAvQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pc9iUq7osEY/WMlMT6D5o3I/AAAAAAAAC8o/zjA_Vjub4bsqDmcu_mZ3MPUMLEvPPvAvQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0222.jpg" /></a></div><br />Bond heads to Las Vegas with the diamonds and of course heads to the casino where he meets the next Bond girl, Plenty O'Toole (who came up with these names, man!). After impressing her at the craps table Bond takes her back to his room but some gangster types are waiting to cock block him. But Bond does get his end away when it turns out they are working for Tiffany and she is waiting for Bond in his bed.<br /><br />The diamonds lead Bond to a reclusive billionaire called Willard Whtye who own a casino in Vegas as well as some secret research companies, the diamonds are to be used on a laser (I know, right) which is going on a satellite. Bond makes his way through Vegas trying to get to Willard Whtye and after a lot of car chases finally ends up at the penthouse of Whyte's casino but it turns out Whyte is being held hostage by none other that Ernst Stavro Blofeld.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrfRS7a-paQ/WMlEya_qhvI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/ALSZH_slha4qCaRjkCJMQkgjC8Nn5pO1gCEw/s1600/DSC_0221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrfRS7a-paQ/WMlEya_qhvI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/ALSZH_slha4qCaRjkCJMQkgjC8Nn5pO1gCEw/s1600/DSC_0221.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sktTk74jNLM/WMlIu7d84fI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/aHPw6LEcDAYsT7FJncuYZ59dQJW9xyQ4QCLcB/s1600/DSC_0219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sktTk74jNLM/WMlIu7d84fI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/aHPw6LEcDAYsT7FJncuYZ59dQJW9xyQ4QCLcB/s1600/DSC_0219.jpg" /></a></div><br />Blofeld has had more plastic surgery but has also made others have surgery to look like him and it was one of these duplicates that Bond killed at the start. Bond is incapacitated by Blofeld and he escapes again. Bond tracks down the real Willard Whyte and goes to rescue him but is met by two female bodyguards Bambi and Thumper (again with the names?!) Bond obviously wins and with the help a Whyte discovers Blofeld is on a converted oil rig in Baja California.<br /><br />Blofeld plans to auction off the use the diamond laser to the highest bidder to destroy the rest of the worlds nuclear weapons. Bond with the help of Felix Leiter and the CIA arrive and ruin Blofeld's plans.<br /><br />This film doesn't hit the heights of Goldfinger or Thunderball but it is still a solid picture and has everything you want from a classic Bond movie. Sean Connery proved again that he IS James Bond but this would be his swan song (at least until the rival James Bond production 'Never Say Never Again' in 1983. But let's not mention that). <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9yOamj4mlnE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9yOamj4mlnE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><br />Project Bond will return with Live and Let Die.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now.<br /><br />S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/bigsteviecoolblog">You can follow Big Stevie Cool on Facebook here.</a></div>Steve Rickeltonhttps://plus.google.com/116430529493701361898noreply@blogger.com2